Getting more help
If you need more help with your Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) matter, call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
LawAccess NSW is a free government telephone service that provides legal information, referrals and, in some cases, advice for people who have a legal problem in NSW.
For more information, see About LawAccess NSW.
There are many other organisations and services that can also assist people involved in an AVO matter.
NSW Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer
Domestic Violence Liaison Officers (DVLOs) are specialist police officers, trained in domestic and family violence and child protection. They are located at many police stations across NSW.
DVLOs can provide support to victims, and help them with the AVO court process. They can also give referrals to support agencies that can help victims, such as refuges. One of their other roles is to monitor victims and perpetrators on an ongoing basis.
To contact a local DVLO call your local police station and ask to speak to the DVLO.
Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
The Women's Domestic Violence Court Adocacy Service (WDVCAS) provides court advocacy, referrals and information for women and children involved in ADVO matters and some APVO matters.
If a woman is making a private application for an ADVO, the service can also arrange someone to represent her in Court.
WDVCASs operate at most local courts and usually provide a safe room for their clients to wait in when they are at court. Female defendants can also use the safe room, usually if they are also a victim of violence.
For more information, see 
Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program on the
Legal Aid NSW website or call 1800 938 227.
Domestic Violence Practitioner Scheme
The Domestic Violence Practitioner Scheme (DVPS) is a state-wide specialist service funded by Legal Aid NSW. Legal Aid NSW pays private lawyers, who work with the WDVCASs, to provide advice and representation to women in ADVO matters. They can also provide advice and representation to female defendants where appropriate, including in cross-applications.
For more information, see
Domestic Violence Practitioner Service on the Legal Aid NSW website or Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Locations in NSW.
Women's Legal Services NSW - Domestic Violence Legal Service
The Domestic Violence Legal Service is a specialised legal service for women experiencing domestic violence, providing casework, legal advice and advocacy.
For more information, see Domestic Violence Legal Service on the Women's Legal Services NSW website.
Community and Justice NSW - Domestic Violence Line
The Domestic Violence Line provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for people who are experiencing domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Line is a state-wide free-call number and is available 24 hours, seven days a week on
1800 65 64 63.
For more information, see Domestic Violence Line on the Communities & Justice NSW website.
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre is a state-wide community legal centre for Aboriginal women, children and youth that focuses on issues relating to violence.
For more information, see the
Wirringa Baiya website.
Safe Relationships Project - Domestic Violence Court Assistance
The Safe Relationships Project (SRP) provides support, advocacy, referrals and information to:
The Safe Relationships Project assists their clients in accessing legal representation and applying for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO) or Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVO) to help put an end to the violence they are experiencing.
For more information, see Safe Relationships Project on the Inner City Legal Centre website.
Another Closet: LGBTIQ Domestic and Family Violence
The Another Closet website is for people in LGBTIQ relationships who are or may be experiencing domestic and family violence.
It contains information on what domestic violence is, what to do if you are experiencing abuse, tips for making a crisis plan and the details for some referral services in NSW.
It also has information for people supporting an LGBTIQ friend or family member who is experiencing abuse.
For more information, see the Another Closet website.
Legal Aid NSW
Legal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems. Their legal services include legal advice, help at court and family dispute resolution.
For more information, see the
Legal Aid NSW website.
Aboriginal Legal Service
The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) provides legal advice, information and representation to Aboriginal people and their families in criminal, family, and care and protection matters. It has 24 offices throughout NSW and the ACT.
For more information, see the
Aboriginal Legal Service website.
Aboriginal Service Worker
Aboriginal Service Workers assist Aboriginal people to:
- find a lawyer
- understand their court papers
- access support services.
You can speak to an Aboriginal Service Worker:
- at the Local Court
- by calling the Aboriginal Services Unit on 1300 679 272.
Community Justice Centres
Community Justice Centres (CJCs) can offer mediation services to parties involved in AVO cases that are assessed as appropriate. APVO matters can be referred for mediation but ADVO matters generally will not be.
For more information, see the
Community Justice Centres NSW website.
RSPCA - Community Domestic Violence Program
The RSPCA's Community Domestic Violence Program offers secure emergency accommodation for pets from homes where domestic violence is taking place.
For more information, see Community Domestic Violence Program on the
RSPCA website.