The Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service is a support service for women of all backgrounds who have experienced domestic and family violence. 

You can contact us Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm on (02) 8508 4350  

If you are considering applying for  a domestic violence order (ADVO) or you have a domestic violence matter which is going to Sutherland Court, you can contact the Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and we can provide information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland Local Court for domestic and family violence matters. 

We provide telephone assistance before and after court and assistance at court on AVO mention days, and, hearing days as required. 

What is an AVO?

An AVOis an Apprehended Violence Order, made to protect victims of violence against future violence or threats. There are two types of AVOs.

• Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO). This is made when the people involved are related or have had a domestic or intimate relationship.
• Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO).This is made when people involved are not related or do not have  a domestic or intimate relationship (eg neighbour or stalker)

How We Can Help

Before Court

If you have an upcoming court date and need some help, please call us. We are here to explain the process to you, provide support and ensure you are informed and well represented for your matter

At Court

Ask for directions to the safe room where SSWDVCAS can provide information to help you understand what is happening at court, and work with you to get an ADVO that best suits your situation. The service can assist you to obtain legal advice about your ADVO, and in certain circumstances, provide you with legal representation.

After Court

We can refer you to other services that can help with safe housing, income support, children’s needs, family law and counseling. We can also provide you with information about what to do if the abuse continues.

Specialist Assistance

We have an Aboriginal Specialist Worker and a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) specialist worker who can assist women from different cultural backgrounds. 

Domestic Violence Practitioner Scheme

The Domestic Violence Practitioner Scheme (DVPS) provides a duty solicitor at Sutherland Court. These are private solicitors who are rostered to attend court on ADVO days to represent SSWDVCAS clients in private ADVO applications at mentions and hearings (for eligible clients) through a legal aid grant. The duty solicitor can also provide legal advice on other matters (such as family law) to all SSWDVCAS clients.