Legal Aid NSW Domestic Violence Unit and DFV Perpetrator Interventions (DCJ), with the support of the Chief Magistrate’s Office, are supporting the facilitation of a one-day training seminar at each Specialist Family Violence List location for solicitors, court staff, prosecutors and DVLOs.

The Specialist Family Violence List Court is being piloted in Blacktown, Downing Centre, Newcastle, Moree Circuit and Gunnedah Circuit (exc. Tamworth). It is a pilot for a trauma informed and culturally appropriate approach to domestic and family violence (DFV) to improve the court experience for victim survivors, improve communications, promote perpetrator service interventions, and ensure ADVOs are consistent with other court orders (eg. bail conditions and considering consistency with family law orders). It promotes consistency in magistrates, solicitors, police prosecutors and supports to minimise the traumatisation to victim-survivors in having to re tell their stories to new people. The Practice Note can be found here.

Deputy Chief Magistrate, Her Honour Sharon Freund will be attendance at all training days and will provide the keynote address in relation to the pilot of the Specialist Family Violence List Courts.

The training seminar will consist of:

Specialist DFV education pertaining to the law and list courts
Understanding trauma
Screening for risk
How to work with perpetrators
Q+A sector panels with DFV specialist services
Service networking

Many local services will be in attendance to promote networking opportunities and positive referral pathways to support victim survivor safety and promote perpetrator accountability. Services will include DFV specialist services, men’s behaviour change programs, drug and alcohol supports, First Nations services, CALD services, youth services, plus many more.

Morning tea and lunch provided

Ticket sales close: COB 3 March 2024

Solicitors may be eligible to use the seminars to obtain CPD points.