Domestic Violence

‘Til the violence ends – Episode 3: Macarthur Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

This is the third episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.   
 
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
 
In this episode, Pauline from the Community Legal Education branch speaks to Tanya Whitehouse, coordinator of Macarthur Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS). They discuss the role of WDVCAS in supporting women affected by domestic violence. 
 
Link to the DVSAT tool via Communities and Justice: Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool | Family & Community Services
 
Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au
1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. fullstop.org.au
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13yarn.org.au
Well Mob - wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
Say it out loud - sayitoutloud.org.au a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.
Useful websites:
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources
https://www.respect.gov.au
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Download the transcript
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Criminal law wrapped - what's new in 2024

What's new in the law in 2024? In this mini-series, specialist lawyers at Legal Aid NSW discuss key legal changes that community workers should know. This episode features criminal lawyers, Hayley and Helen, discussing major changes around domestic violence including coercive control, domestic abuse and bail.
Listen to our other episodes in this series:
Family law wrapped - what's new in 2024
Civil law wrapped - what's new in 2024
See Legal Aid NSW's other resources about coercive control: 
Criminal Law Division Podcast - Coercive control (Episode 1)
Webinar for community workers
 
Download the transcript.
 
Disclaimer: This podcast episode is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529. 

‘Til the violence ends – Episode 2: Domestic violence and tenancy

This is the second episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.   
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
In this second episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Lehana De Silva, solicitor Aboriginal Support at the Tenants’ Union of NSW about what you can do if you are experiencing domestic and family or sexual violence and you want to leave a tenancy.
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are experiencing domestic and family violence.
Tenants’ Union of NSW website: www.tenants.org.au
https://www.tenants.org.au/resources/domestic-violence
Fact sheet about leaving a tenancy when you are experiencing domestic violence  https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-12-domestic-violence
Supplementary guide to the fact sheet: https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/dv-guide
Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence. 1800respect.org.au
1800 656 463 NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. fullstop.org.au
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13yarn.org.au
Well Mob - wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
Say it out loud - sayitoutloud.org.au a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.
Useful websites:
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources
https://www.respect.gov.au
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Download the transcript
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

'Til the violence ends – Episode 1: Introduction to series and WDVCAP

This is the first episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.    
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present. 
In this first episode, Pauline from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Bev Lazarou, who works in Legal Aid NSW’s Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program.   Bev was recently named NSW Public Servant of the Year at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards for the work she does and has done for many years.  
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are experiencing domestic and family violence. 
Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below. 
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence.  www.1800respect.org.au  
1800 656 463  NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence. 
1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.   
1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence. 
1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. www.fullstop.org.au  
1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse.  Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation. 
13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. www.13yarn.org.au  
Well Mob - www.wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence. 
Say it out loud - www.sayitoutloud.org.au  a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence  
1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours. 
Useful websites: 
Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women 
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources 
https://www.respect.gov.au  
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia 
The UTS evaluation of the WDVCAS Hearing Support Pilot is available on the UTS website on the link below:  
OPUS at UTS: Evaluation of the WDVCAS Hearing Support Pilot - Open Publications of UTS Scholars 
 
To find out more information about what we talked about in this episode –   
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-partners/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-program  
(this page includes a list of locations. 
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/my-problem-is-about/my-family-or-relationship/domestic-and-family-violence/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-services  
 
Music: What a day by bhzimmy
Editing by Pauline Matthews from Legal Aid NSW 
Transcript: https://bit.ly/41E9ibt 
 
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au 
Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529. 

Not afraid – the story of an elder abuse survivor

In this special episode, Sasha and Lynn from Legal Aid NSW's Elder Abuse Service, chat to Peg, an elder abuse survivor, about her experience and getting legal help. 
If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Service on (02) 4324 5611 or via Legal Aid NSW's team at LawAccess NSW. Call 1300 888 529 or chat online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au 
The content in this episode may be distressing for some listeners. If you need support, help is available.
Lifeline - 13 11 14
1800 RESPECT 1300 737 732
Download the transcript.
Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529. 

Spotlight On the Homeless Persons Legal Service

The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) provides people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with practical legal assistance. Informed by our casework and consumer feedback, we also address causes of homelessness through strategic engagement and policy advocacy with government and service providers.
They have recently launched the Women’s Homelessness Prevention Service (WHPS), which aims to help women at risk of homelessness, particularly women experiencing domestic and family violence.
You can visit the HPLS website here: Homelessness (HPLS) | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au) or call them on: (02) 8898 6545 or Email on: homelessproject@piac.asn.au
You can find the referral form here: 22.05.24-HPLS-Referral-Form.docx (live.com)
You can find all the outreach locations using this link: Clinic times & locations | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au)
You can read more about the Street Care Team here: StreetCare | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au)
You can Subscribe to the PIAC Newsletter here: Subscribe | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au)
 
Link to the show Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/jfVShl1QW-Wp4QvpyT9KHzmv9Ik
 
Acknowledgments
The music in our Law for Community Workers podcasts is Blue Highway by Podington Bear licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 Licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
Legal Aid NSW has met all our legal copyright and intellectual property obligations in the preparation of these podcasts.
 
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529. 
 
 

Spotlight On Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS)

RACS Mission: To achieve Justice and Dignity for and with Refugees through dedicated legal services and advocacy.
RACS is a strong, independent public voice for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum. We assist people of all nationalities, religions, and sexual and gender identities.
In 1987, RACS quietly opened its doors with very few staff but with very big ambitions to provide access to crucial legal support for people seeking asylum in Australia.
For 35 years, thousands of courageous people from all corners of the world have walked through our doors. They have been welcomed and supported by hundreds of committed staff, passionate legal students and thousands of volunteers. Many of these refugees now live happy, safe and secure lives alongside us, as part of our communities.
 
Link to Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/NYhRiXXnQva4Npo5E3wda5qelKE
Email: admin@racs.org.au
Telephone: (02) 8355 7227.
Website: RACS | Refugee Advice & Casework Service
Subscribe to the newsletter: Subscribe — RACS | Refugee Advice & Casework Service
Upcoming events: Events — RACS | Refugee Advice & Casework Service
 
Disclaimer: All information provided is correct at the time of release and is information only.
 
Acknowledgments
The music in our Law for Community Workers podcasts is Blue Highway by Podington Bear licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 Licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
Legal Aid NSW has met all our legal copyright and intellectual property obligations in the preparation of these podcasts.
 
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529. 
 

Do you work with CALD men affected by domestic violence? There’s a new service that could help

A transcript of this podcast is available here.
Western Sydney CLC flyers:
Program Flyer for Clients
Program Flyer for Service Providers
Legal Problem Spotting training for community and support workers
Useful links:
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre – www.wsclc.org.au
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre – Domestic Violence Response Pilot Program for CALD men
Western Sydney Community Legal Centre – Health Justice Partnership report
Mens behaviour change programs NSW (use this link to find all programs operating in NSW including those in languages other than English) 
No to Violence 
Listen to our previous Law for Community Workers on the go episodes about men and ADVO’s:
Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 1 of 2)
Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 2 of 2)
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529. 

Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 2 of 2)

In this episode we talk to Jaye and Kristie from the Domestic Violence Strategy team at the Department of Communities and Justice about the work that they’re doing with men who use violence. We also hear from Raissa Butkowski, a solicitor with Hume Riverina Community Legal Service.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode:
 
Got an AVO? How to stick to your order - Legal Aid NSW – you can order a copy of this as a brochure by going to the Legal Aid NSW publications website here: Factsheets and resources - Legal Aid NSW
You can also look at a series of animations here  that has been created by the Cooperative Legal Services Delivery Program about How to Stick to Your Order - YouTube
We also wanted to link you to the Premiers Priority to Reduce DV Reoffending, the ENGAGE program and AVOW app in show notes, and give you some useful contact details: 
 
The Men’s Telephone Counselling and Referral Service is a toll-free number available across NSW, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by trained counsellors who support male callers to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and end the violence against their family and refers callers to men’s behaviour change programs or other service providers for longer-term support. You can visit their website here. 
Phone : 1300 766 491
 
MensLine Australia is the national telephone support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MensLine Australia can also provide referrals to face-to-face counselling and support services.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
 
Brother to Brother is a 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men staffed by Aboriginal men. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 435 799
 
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft.
 
Please send questions, comments and feedback to: cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
 
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529. 

Support and challenge men to stick to an AVO (Part 1 of 2)

This is the first episode of a two part series where we talk about how men who use violence can be supported and challenged to change their behaviour and when they are more likely to stick to an Apprehended Violence Order.
 
We see men who use violence changing their behaviour as an important part of reducing domestic violence.
 
In this episode we talk to Jacqui (CEO) and Mike (counsellor) from No to Violence, an organisation that seeks to end male violence.
 
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode:
 
Got an AVO? How to stick to your order - Legal Aid NSW – you can order a copy of this as a brochure by going to the Legal Aid NSW publications website here: Factsheets and resources - Legal Aid NSW
You can also look at a series of animations here  that has been created by the Cooperative Legal Services Delivery Program about How to Stick to Your Order - YouTube
We also wanted to link you to the Premiers Priority to Reduce DV Reoffending, the ENGAGE program and AVOW app in show notes, and give you some useful contact details: 
 
The Men’s Telephone Counselling and Referral Service is a toll-free number available across NSW, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by trained counsellors who support male callers to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and end the violence against their family and refers callers to men’s behaviour change programs or other service providers for longer-term support. You can visit their website here. 
Phone : 1300 766 491
 
MensLine Australia is the national telephone support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MensLine Australia can also provide referrals to face-to-face counselling and support services.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
 
Brother to Brother is a 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men staffed by Aboriginal men. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 435 799
 
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft.
 
Please send questions, comments and feedback to: cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
 
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529.