Court Support and Liaison Service
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
- provide information on court processes
Further assistance can be provided by the Court Support Officers as matters proceed through the court process.
The Court Support and Liaison Service is a free service for adult and child victims of family violence and is available through the Safe at Home program.
Court Support Officers are available in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, 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 before, during and after court appearances.
Before court
To help you prepare for attending court, Court Support Officers can:
- provide a 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 victims to feel as comfortable as possible within the Court environment and to address their fears and concerns
At court
When you attend court, Court Support Officers can:
- accompany the adult or child victim at Court
- stay with victims while they are waiting to give evidence and when giving their evidence
- provide support to victims throughout the Court process
After court
After your court appearance, Court Support Officers can:
- 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 Support Services
Department of Justice
Phone: 1300 663 773 (toll free) or (03) 6165 7524
Aboriginal Court Support Officer:
Phone: 1300 663 773 (toll free) or (03) 6165 7530