Family and Domestic Violence Support
Free, confidential support for women and gender diverse people experiencing domestic and family violence.
The Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) supports women and gender diverse people experiencing domestic and family violence in the Burwood and Campsie area. You don't need to have spoken to police or be going to court to reach out to us.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 · NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 — both 24/7.
Use Quick exit (top right, or press Esc) to leave this page immediately.
What to expect
We make contact
Most referrals come through the police, though you're welcome to contact us yourself, or be referred by another service such as a hospital or school. However you reach us, we aim to make contact within one business day.
We talk through your safety
We'll talk through what's happening for you and what you’re worried about. We will then build a safety plan together.
We connect you with support
Depending on what you need, that might mean referrals to other services such as case management, legal advice, counseling, financial assistance and crisis accommodation. We can also provide support at court and legal information. Whatever stage you are at in seeking support, we are there to guide you.
Who we support
If any of these sound like you, we can help — get in touch.
- Women, Trans women and gender diverse people
- Aged 16 and over
- Currently experiencing or have experienced domestic violence
- Alleged to have used violence in a relationship, whom we assess to be the primary victim
- Living in the Burwood or Campsie area
About our Domestic Violence Support service
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, especially if you're not sure what to expect. We're here to make that easier, at whatever pace works for you.
Safety planning and support
Once we're in contact, the first thing we focus on is your safety. We'll talk through what's happening for you and work through a safety plan together. From there, we can connect you with other services, and provide information about court and legal processes.
Support at every stage
Everyone's situation is different. Some people are looking for a single conversation, others want support through the whole process, whether that's the court process or the process of leaving a relationship. We'll follow your lead.
Support in your language
If you prefer to communicate in a language other than English, we work with an interpreting service and can arrange for an interpreter from your very first contact with us, as well as book an interpreter for court if needed.
We're not lawyers or police
Although we receive referrals from police and provide support at court, we are not lawyers or police officers, and we don't work inside those organisations. What we can do is help you understand how courts and police processes generally work, and refer you to legal support services for legal advice if needed.
How referrals reach us
We act as the Local Coordination Point for the Burwood and Campsie areas, which means we receive a referral from NSW Police for every domestic violence call out attended in these areas, regardless of what action police take at the time. We also receive referrals from other services, and you're welcome to reach out directly yourself. Once a referral reaches us, we work with you to complete a risk assessment and help coordinate the right support for you.
We're also part of a fortnightly Safety Action Meeting with other local services, which shares information to help reduce serious risk for victims and their children. These meetings are for service providers only - victims and perpetrators don't attend, and they don't result in any plan a victim is required to follow. It's a whole community approach to keeping people safer.
You can find out more about it by visiting the NSW Safer Pathways page.
A team with real experience in this space
Our team has a real depth of experience in the sector, and specialised knowledge in supporting women and gender diverse people through domestic and family violence. WDVCAS has been supporting women and children experiencing domestic and family violence for over 30 years, and our service is funded by Legal Aid NSW.
Get in touch
Get in touch — Family and Domestic Violence Support
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll be in touch. All enquiries are confidential.
By sending this, you agree we can contact you about your enquiry. We’ll never share your details without your consent.
Prefer to talk it through? Many of our clients find a phone call easier, call 1800 WDVCAS (1800 938 227)
If you’re referring someone else, this form can be used by any service to refer a woman aged 16 and over who is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic and family violence. We can assist non-binary or gender diverse people if they’re comfortable working with a woman’s service.
A service provider must seek the client’s consent unless it’s unreasonable or impractical to do so, for example if it would increase the threat to their safety. In certain circumstances, Part 13A of the Crimes Act allows services to share information about a client without consent if it’s necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to their safety. Referrals are assessed case by case where it’s considered more appropriate for the referrer to discuss consent and the Safety Action Meeting process with the client directly.
Involving the client in the discussion about a referral to the Safety Action Meeting helps in a few ways. It means the client’s own understanding of their safety needs is heard and shared, which allows for more targeted actions and gets more out of the discussion. It allows necessary safety planning to happen before a referral is made, since a referral could otherwise alert a perpetrator that their situation is known about, which may increase risk if the client hasn’t been able to safely prepare for that. And it reduces the risk of the client losing trust in services if they later learn information was shared without their knowledge or consent.
We won’t leave a text message or voicemail unless you’ve told us it’s safe to do so.
Direct contact: (02) 9739 6243, or 1800 WDVCAS (1800 938 227) from anywhere in NSW
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Prefer to talk? Call 1800 WDVCAS (1800 938 227), Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Financial issues can carry stigma — a phone call is often an easier first step, and everything you tell us stays confidential.
Frequently asked questions
Is this service free?
Yes. WDVCAS is a free service and isn’t means tested.
Do you provide legal advice?
No, we’re not lawyers and can’t provide legal advice or representation, but we can refer you to Legal Aid.
What if I don't speak English?
You can still reach out to us. We work with an interpreting service and can arrange one from your first contact, as well as for court if needed.
What is an AVO?
An AVO, or Apprehended Violence Order, is a court order that aims to protect someone from a person who’s been violent or threatening towards them.
What happens if my matter goes to a hearing?
We can provide information and support if your matter goes to a hearing, including meeting you at court.
How do I access Victims Support payments?
We can talk you through what’s available and how to apply. For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/information-for-victims-of-crime/victims-support-scheme
Resources
If you are in immediate danger, call 000
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 · NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 — both 24/7.
Use Quick exit (top right, or press Esc) to leave this page immediately.
crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Related support
Free, confidential support to help you manage debt and negotiate with creditors.
People with a history of family or domestic violence in the last 10 years may be eligible for an interest free loan of up to $2,000.
