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Allied Justice is a for purpose organisation providing free legal advice, information and community legal education to people who live, work or study in the Central Highlands and Wimmera regions of Victoria.
Refer a Client
Allied Justice is now inviting warm referrals from community, health and council services across the Wimmera and Central Highlands regions.
Request an Appointment
​After receiving a request we will make contact within 2 business days to determine how we can best assist.
Victims of family violence need to understand their legal rights and importantly seek legal advice from a lawyer when navigating their options to respond to family violence.
We understand this is a difficult time for victims of family violence and there are a range of support services to assist in many different ways. The resources on this page are focused on the legal elements of family violence.
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Allied Justice acknowledges the scale of gender-based violence occurring in western Victoria and endorses that it is a first order priority for Allied Justice. In addition to duty lawyer services, Allied Justice works constructively with police, courts and support services to improve safety outcomes for women and children, and to assist them in navigating the legal system in relation to family violence.
The statistics show that victims of family violence are overwhelmingly women, and we acknowledge that all genders can be impacted by family violence.
Why do you need legal advice when attending family violence court?
We know that victims of family violence are often trying to get the help they need to stay safe, but do not always engage a lawyer. Family, friends and colleagues of victims need to be empowered with information to ensure they can support the victim to seek legal advice from a lawyer.
The court process can be overwhelming, and the legal process can be complex.
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Seeking independent legal advice ensures you have advice specific to your situation and helps you understand the next steps and how to prepare for them.
Why do you need legal advice when the police have made an application on your behalf?​
The police have a responsibility to assess the risks and take appropriate action to keep victims safe. The police are also required to make respondents accountable. Police are not considering family law implications and other associated areas such as visas for migrants, debt and credit issues, and the rights of the victim to have agency in how they choose to proceed.
Why do you need legal advice when you have children to consider?
Children are not always included in family violence intervention orders and it important the victim seeks legal advice to ensure both the victim and their children are appropriately protected by the intervention order.
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Victims also need to be aware of parenting requirements in the context of family law and protecting children from harm. Early legal advice can help victims prepare appropriately for the future.
Free legal services
When attending family violence court, you can request free legal assistance from the duty lawyer. Ongoing free legal representation may be available via Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service or Victoria Leal Aid, subject to eligibility.
Private lawyers can also be engaged for a fee.
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It is encouraged victims seek advice prior to their court day by contacting the registry office and requesting a referral to a duty lawyer.
Where to seek legal assistance
Community Legal Centres
The Federation of Community Legal Services Victoria is the peak body for Victoria's Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal Legal Services, advocating for justice and equality.
Legal Aid Victoria
Legal Aid Victoria helps people with their legal problems. They focus on protecting the rights of Victorians and representing those who need it the most.
Law Institute of Victoria
Use the referral service search at the Law Institute of Victoria find a private firm that meets your needs.
Djirra
Djirra offers legal and non-legal support services, both via telephone and in-person, to Aboriginal people across Victoria who are experiencing or have experienced family violence.
VALS
VALS is a community-controlled organization providing legal services and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria.
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Resources
A Guide for Affected Family Members Going to Court for a Family Violence Apprehension Order
Northern Community Legal Centre provides a step by step guide to from applying for an order through to what to expect on your day at court.
Family Violence and Family Intervention Orders - Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid provides a comprehensive guide on family intervention orders.
Tenants Victoria
There are protections for people affected by family violence in Victoria’s rental laws. This page summarises measures including protecting bonds and making safety modifications.
Allied Justice acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, water and community. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past, present and emerging.
Allied Justice is committed to providing safe and inclusive services and is an ally of the LGBTIQ+ community.