Legal Help for Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is not just physical violence but can be threats to injure a person or animal, intimidation, verbal abuse. derogatory taunts, withholding of financial resources, sexual abuse, stalking, preventing a person keeping connections with their family and other controlling and threatening behaviour.
The presence of family or domestic violence impacts family law parenting and property matters.
The emotional stress and strain on separating couples can lead to an escalation of domestic violence issues which can have harmful effects on parents and children.
Arguments, physical assaults on others and the destruction of property, which occurs in the presence and hearing of children, constitutes child abuse.
The Courts aim to protect children and family members from harm resulting from domestic violence and abuse.
If you have concerns for yourself or other family members who may be impacted by domestic violence, please contact our office and speak with our Family Law lawyers Anita Vayanos or Louise Cassar on 02 9411-4466.
Our Family Law Team have access to several referral services, including mediators and family counsellors who may be able to help you at this time.
If your matter is urgent and either you or your family are in immediate danger, then you should contact the police on Triple Zero: 000
The New South Wales Government Department of Communities and Justice website provide support for victims and their families.
Below is a table of government support services which may be of assistance to you or other family members.
| Support Line | Service | Telephone | |
| 1. | Lower North Shore Domestic Violence Line | 24/7: services and support | 1800 65 64 63 |
| 2. | 1800RESPECT | Support for any person affected by domestic and family violence | 1800 737 732 |
| 3. | MensLine Australia | Support for men experiencing or perpetrators of domestic and family violence | 1300 78 99 78 |
| 4. | Kids Helpline | Support for children affected by family violence | 1800 55 1800 |
| 5 | Lifeline Australia | Support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe | 13 11 14 |
| 6. | NSW Mental Health Line | Professional help and advice for your mental health | 1800 011 511 |
| 7. | CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay | Social Service Agency | 02 8425 8700 |
| 8. | Women’s Information and Referral Service
(WIRS) |
Information, advice support and referrals on issues such as family violence or relationships, accommodation, work or study, legal advice or counselling | 1800 817 227 |
| 9. | Chatswood Police | 02 9414 8499 | |
| 10. | Child Protection and Family Crisis | 24-hour crisis counselling and referral service | 1800 066 777 |
| 11. | Legal Aid Helpline | Free government telephone service that provides legal assistance for legal problems in NSW | 1300 888 529 |
| 13. | NSW Women’s Refuge Resource Centre (WRM) | Develops policy and provides information about women’s refuges and domestic violence for the community, government agencies and the media | 9698 9777 |
| 14. | Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service | Court assistance for women experiencing domestic violence | 1800 246 642 |
