Going to court

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Ask questions, know your next step, you’re not alonereach out for help

Domestic and family violence is not okay.

  • If you need urgent help, call the police on 000.
  • If you need housing in a women’s refuge, call 1800 811 811.
  • Find other support services.

Before you go to court

Get all the information and support you need.

It’s important you have the support you need when you go to court. Understanding the process and having all your questions answered will help you in the future.

You may also want to get some legal advice to help you understand all of your options.

You can be supported if you don’t want to be alone.

You can take someone who is an adult with you to court.

You can also get help to understand what is happening and to get the best possible outcomes for you and your loved ones.

If you ever feel unsafe at court or need a question answered, tell the court staff and they will help you.

Some things to do before you go to court:

  • Think about whether you want to take someone with you to support you.
  • Make sure you have the whole day free, as it may take a while for your turn in the court.
  • Make sure you know where the court is and what time you need to be there.
  • Make plans for someone to look after your children and other family members while you’re in court. Court staff can arrange additional safety measures. Open the Court Safety Form
  • Let the court know if you will need an interpreter.

When you go to court

The person who used violence will have been given a copy of your application. At court the magistrate will ask the person who has used the violence (the respondent) if they agree to the domestic violence order being made.

If they agree:

The court may make the order straight away.

If they disagree:

The magistrate may make a temporary order and the application will be dealt with at a hearing. This is when all the evidence is considered, and both parties are given an opportunity to present their case (speak about why the order should or shouldn’t be made). If the respondent doesn’t show up, an order can still be made.

You may find this difficult, but the court will help you feel safe and help you find a support person if you want one.

After you go to court, you may want to get some legal advice to understand the order, what the court has decided and how it affects you. It’s important you understand all of the rules of any orders that have been made.

Reach out for help

Domestic and family violence is not okay.

Domestic violence orders

Domestic violence orders can help to protect your safety and help stop the violence.

If someone says you’ve used domestic violence

It’s important you have the support and information you need to understand the process.

Resources

We have produced a range of resources to help you have the information you need. Taking your money.Reach out