TITLE CARD:
This video can help you prepare for court if you are representing yourself.
You should get legal advice about the circumstances of your case before going to court.
1. EXT. COURTHOUSE – MORNING
SELMA walks towards the courthouse.
FREEZE ON SELMA – TITLE:
Applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)
Getting support at court
BACK TO LIVE ACTION:
2. INT. INTERVIEW Space – MORNING
Selma looks relaxed and pleased to talk. An INTERVIEWER is off screen...
SELMA:
Well, the last time the police were over, they applied for an AVO on my behalf against Dave, my ex-boyfriend. They said I would have to go to court. So I was feeling nervous. They said Dave would probably be there too, but that I would be safe there.
3. EXT. COURTHOUSE – MORNING
SELMA meets Donna on the steps of the courthouse. They walk inside together.
SELMA (VO):
The police gave my details to the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service. Donna phoned me. She’s one of the workers there. She said she’d meet me before court, and we could go together.
4. INT - COURTHOUSE FOYER SEcurity desk - MORNING
Bags are being screened on a conveyor belt. Selma picks up her bag after its been screened.
SUE:
So we’ll go into the women’s safe room now.
They exit frame together.
5. INT. SAFE ROOM – MORNING
Selma and Donna are sitting in the safe room talking.
SELMA (VO):
The safe room is a private room in the courthouse where you won’t be disturbed.
6. INT. INTERVIEW Space – MORNING
SELMA:
It was good to know that I could go somewhere in the courthouse where I was safe. It's always stressful going to court, and sometimes a lot of waiting around. But I had Donna there with me.
7. INT. SAFE ROOM – MORNING
Selma is sitting in the safe room with Donna. The Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) enters.
SELMA (VO):
And the Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer was there too.
DVLO:
Selma, your matter hasn’t come up in court yet. Sometimes it does take a little while to come up in court because we do have a few matters going through but as the day goes on I’ll keep you updated on what’s going on.
SELMA:
Ok great.
(Selma speaks to Donna)
Can you come into the courtroom with me?
DONNA:
Of course I can.
SELMA:
Great.
DONNA:
I just also want to give you a bit of a…like a brochure that you can have a think about if you need any further information.
Donna passes Selma a LawAccess information brochure. Selma looks through the brochure.
SELMA:
It was great having Donna’s support. She gave me information on services that are available and helped me understand how the AVO could best protect me.
FREEZE ON SELMA – TITLE:
Not all courts in NSW have safe rooms.
For the details of your nearest Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), call
LawAccess NSW
1300 888 529
You can also call the 24 hour
Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63
For information, support and referrals
TITLE:
This video is intended as a guide to the law and procedure only. You should get legal advice about the circumstances of your case before going to court.
The characters and events in this video are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual events or people is purely coincidental.
TITLE:
Need Legal Help? Call LawAccess NSW on
1300 888 529 or visit
www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/lawassist
for more information about representing yourself in court.
© NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice 2013
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