The Domestic Violence Legal Unit:

The Domestic Violence Legal Unit (DVLU) is a specialist unit of Legal Aid WA, providing help to women in situations of Domestic Violence.

What can DVLU do for me?

DVLU provides the following free non means tested services to all women, regardless of their income;

• Initial counselling and support;
• Preparing safety plans and advice on safety issues;
• Advising and assisting women to get Restraining Orders against the person committing domestic violence;
• ensuring prompt service in the matters of Restraining Orders;
• Legal advice, both in person and on the telephone;
• Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer service (explained further below);
• Help with dealing with the police and government departments;
• Referrals and letters in support to other relevant services, such as Homeswest, Centrelink etc;
• Visits to clients at refuges and hospitals where necessary;
• Legal advice on Migration Law related to family and domestic violence;
• Initial advice on Criminal Injuries Compensation;

DVLU can also represent women in final restraining order hearings if they get a grant of legal aid. The normal financial guidelines and means tests apply for legal aid.

For women who are non-English speaking, the unit can arrange for an interpreter to be present, free of charge.
Information and referrals can also be provided on non-legal matters such as emergency and safe housing, counselling, medical matters etc.

Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer Service

DVLU provides a Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer at the 8th floor of the Perth Central law Courts (Court of Petty Sessions) each morning from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

The Duty Lawyer is available to:
Provide legal advice to women, including explaining the consequences of orders made by the Court;

• Represent women in Court in interim/ex-parte applications;
• Assist women with negotiations with other parties, including where matters have been listed for final hearings;
• Represent women in applications for adjournments, including where matters have been listed for final hearings;
• Help women apply for Legal Aid for representation in final hearings and where appropriate, for assistance with family law matters;

The Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer is not able to assist men. Men are referred to the Legal Aid Duty Lawyer service on the 3rd floor of the Central Law Courts, Perth.

Dealing with Police

The DVLU will advise and assist clients in any situation where they may be experiencing difficulties when working with the police. Staff at The DLVU will happily talk to the police on a woman’s behalf and assist them to acheive desired police responses/actions.

How can I contact The DVLU?

You can contact The Domestic Violence Legal Unit on (09) 9261 6254.

Or call the Information Line on 1300 650 579

Men who are experiencing domestic violence should call the LAWA Information Line on 1300 650 579 (local call cost from landlines; higher rates for mobiles).

For more information visit:

www.legalaid.wa.gov.au