Court Support & Liaison Service (Including Child Witness Support Service)
A free service for adult and child victims of family violence through the Safe at Home program
Court Support Officers are available in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport and other regional areas (on request) to provide support to adult and child victims of family violence (including referral to appropriate counselling and other services) and guide them through the justice system during and after court appearances. Support is available for male and female victims regardless of age or cultural background.
The Service also independently prepares children and young people to give evidence in court and help to minimise the trauma for a child in an adult legal system.
The Court Support Officer can provide the following assistance:
- how to take out a Family Violence Order
- how to vary or extend an existing order
- provide ongoing updates on progress of a matter in court
Further assistance can be provided by the Court Support Officers as matters proceed through the court process:
Before Court
- court tour to explain the court layout and facilities
- liaise with Police and Prosecutors on behalf of the victim
- explain the roles of people in the Court (e.g. Judge, Magistrate, Jury, Prosecutor, Defence Lawyer, Court Support)
- explain words and language that may be used in Court
- assist victims to understand their role as a witness
- assist witnesses to feel as comfortable as possible within the Court environment and to address their fears and concerns
At Court
- accompany the adult or child victim to Court
- stay with witnesses while they are waiting to give evidence and when giving their evidence
- provide support to victims throughout the Court process
After Court
- talk about what happened at Court and the impact of the Magistrate's / Judge's decision
- follow up through referral to other support services
Aboriginal Victims
A dedicated Aboriginal Court Support Officer is available to provide support to Aboriginal adult and child victims of family violence (including referral to appropriate counselling and other services) and guide them through the justice system during and after Court appearances.
As a member of the Aboriginal community the Aboriginal Court Support and Liaison Officer understands the unique needs of the community and also acknowledges your right to privacy within the community.
Our services are free and confidential. Your rights as an individual are respected. Please call us if we can be of assistance.
Court Support and Liaison Services
Victims Assistance Unit
Department of Justice
Phone: 1300 663 773 (toll free) or
Hobart: (03) 6233 5005
Launceston: (03) 6336 2128
Burnie: (03) 6434 7268 or 6434 7269
Aboriginal Court Support Officer:
Phone:1300 663 773 (toll free) or (03) 6233 5227