ADVOs and Court Advocacy

The Coffs-Clarence WDVCAS provide information and support to women in relation to Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO’s) and domestic violence related charges. Staff provide support throughout the Court process in Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Grafton and Maclean courts.

The WDVCAS also receive referrals from NSW Police for every domestic violence call out they attend in the Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command. Referrals can also be received from other external government and non-government agencies. Staff attempt to contact all women within 24 hours who are referred and are the first point of contact where women can be informed of services and resources that are available to them. Women are offered referral to specialist Domestic Violence services for example Staying Home Leaving Violence; Warrina Crisis Accommodation and/or outreach Housing support; Victims of Crime Counselling and/or Financial Assistance. Women’s safety is assessed with the client and appropriate safety planning developed with clients. If a client is assessed “at serious threat”, then that client is referred to a Safety Action Meeting.

Safety Action Meetings (SAM):

SAMs are a fortnightly meeting which are attended by local government and non-government services. The aim of the SAM is to prevent or reduce the risk of serious harm to women and children experiencing domestic violence. The SAM operates by the sharing of relevant information to support the development of time specific ‘Safety Action Plans’.

These plans are a list of actions that service providers can take to reduce the threat to women and/or children’s safety. The meetings focus is on a ‘whole of community’ response to support women and children’s safety.

Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service is funded by Legal Aid NSW

Toll Free (Coffs Harbour Office) 1800 174 466

Coffs Harbour

Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone 02 6650 0302
Email coffs@warrina.org.au

Grafton

Mon-Tue 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone 02 6642 5493

Email grafton@warrina.org.au