This has brought a greater awareness to domestic violence as an issue that can affect people from many different walks of life. Our solicitors are experienced in identifying and providing advice and assistance about domestic violence. This includes:
The Centre understands survivors of domestic violence experience significant trauma during this difficult court process, and we make every effort to provide advice in a timely and client-focused manner. We also acknowledge that those who have allegations made against them require tailored, realistic and respectful advice that provides them with all the options that may be available in the circumstances.
The Centre has also set up several initiatives to meet the demand in the community for assistance with domestic violence.
Together with members of the Gold Coast Integrated Response Network, a program was developed to provide responsive legal services to the community in places where victims and survivors of domestic and family violence feel safe.
The Centre’s specialist mobile lawyer aims to provide advice and assistance about domestic violence issues at different locations, including at correctional facilities, hospitals and health services. Additionally, we have a partnership with the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre so that the mobile lawyer can provide advice to vulnerable persons at a safe location and encourage them to engage directly with support services.
Since March 2017, the Centre commenced a new service in the afternoons at Southport Court House providing legal advice and in-court representation to those in need of protection (both men and women) who attend at the court registry requesting an urgent hearing of an application for a protection order.
The afternoon service fills a significant gap of assistance as the pre-existing Legal Aid Queensland duty lawyer service only operates for the legal matters listed on the morning of Court. This funded service was developed in conjunction with the Southport Court Registry, Legal Aid and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
A solicitor from the Centre appears at the Coolangatta Magistrates Court on Friday mornings to provide advice and duty lawyer services for people attending the Court for domestic violence matters. The Centre created this service because we identified a gap in services offered to the Southern residents of the Gold Coast. At this time it is an unfunded service that offers a similar level of assistance to other duty lawyer programs.
Please call us on 07 5532 9611 if you need an appointment relating to any domestic violence law matters, or complete our online Booking Form.
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