Legal Services

We provide culturally safe, trauma-informed legal support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced, or are experiencing, family violence and/or sexual assault. We consider and support the needs of the individual person, not only the legal issue.

We provide legal support in the following areas;

  • Family Violence Matters – advice on Family Violence Orders and Police Family Violence Orders, representation in Court and advocacy before, during and after Court proceedings.

  • Family Law for parenting matters – advice before proceedings, representation in parenting proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, representation in family dispute resolution, mediation and conferences.

  • Child safety (advocacy, advice, early intervention, orders, reunification) -
    We provide child safety advocacy by supporting families to engage effectively with child protection systems, promoting the rights and best interests of children, and advocating for culturally appropriate, kinship-focused and self-determined outcomes.

  • Victims of Crime Compensation – assistance in drafting applications Victim and Witness Assistance for Sexual Assault and Family Violence Matters.

  • Community Legal Education on a range of topics which can be tailored for the individual/group.

Legal terms explained

In the drop down table in this section we explain what some common legal terms mean. So you can better understand what support you need.

  • In family law, early intervention means getting support in place as soon as possible when a family is going through separation, conflict or crisis. This early support can help reduce stress, keep children safe, and avoid problems becoming more serious or ending up in long and difficult court processes.

  • Family law orders are formal agreements or decisions about parenting, property or financial matters. They may be made by the court or agreed to by the people involved. Because they are legally binding, they must be followed and can be enforced if needed. Examples can be Safety and protection orders, consent orders and recovery orders.

  • Reunification means a child returning to live with their family after being in care.

  • In Tasmania, victims of violent crime can claim financial compensation for injuries, counseling, and lost income. There are strict time limits on applications for compensation.