Our Vision
All women and children have the right to live free from domestic and family violence. On the Central Coast women and children are supported to have access to quality services that are, responsive to their needs, in order to thrive and live in a safe and healthy community.
Who we are
Central Coast Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Incorporated (CCDVCAS).
CCDVCAS is funded by the Attorney Generals Dept. and is a program operated under Legal Aid NSW. CCDVCAS is funded to support women and children.
CCDVCAS is a free Domestic and Family Violence service. CCDVCAS offers a range of services including information, referrals, court support, advocacy and safety planning to woman and children.
CCDVCAS is located in Wyong and Gosford Local Court Safe rooms. The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) is a state-wide service; CCDVCAS covers the NSW Police Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Districts.
What we do
CCDVCAS provides assistance to women and children who have experienced or who are experiencing domestic violence.
CCDVCAS is the Local Coordination Point (LCP) for NSW Police Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Districts
CCDVCAS receives all NSW Police Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Districts domestic and family violence referrals for female victims over the age of 16yrs. CCDVCAS attempts to contact all victims by phone. When contact is made with a victim, CCDVCAS provides referrals, information and safety planning. CCDVCAS also completes a domestic violence assessment tool (DVSAT) and makes referrals to the Safety Action Meeting (SAM).
Safety Action Meetings are chaired by NSW Police and are coordinated by CCDVCAS. The meetings are held fortnightly and are attended by government agencies and local service providers to coordinate service responses for victims rated ‘at serious threat’ by the DVSAT or professional judgment. Members develop tailored, time-specific Safety Action Plans (SAPs) to prevent or reduce threat of further assault or harm to victims and their children.
Court Advocacy
CCDVCAS supports police victims at Court, during the mention and hearings stages, by providing a safe room and information about court and their Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).
CCDVCAS partners with Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Police Prosecutors to provide monthly hearing clinics at each courts. The hearing clinics allow victims an opportunity to be informed of the court process prior to giving evidence
CCDVCAS supports women who apply for private ADVO or variation via the Local Court Registrar by making referrals to the Legal Aid Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) at Wyong or the Legal Aid Domestic Violence Duty Scheme (DVDS) at Gosford for legal representation on ADVO list days. The DVU and DVDS can also assist women who are female defendants in Police matters where they have been identified (by CCDVCAS or Police) as a primary victim
CCDVCAS has establish partnerships with, and work in collaboration with, local police, local courts, and other members of the justice sector and other local services to respond effectively to domestic and family violence.
CCDVCAS has the following Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Focus workers
- Aboriginal Focus Worker
- Young Women’s Focus Worker
- LGBTQ+ Focus Worker
- Vulnerable Focus Worker
Aboriginal Acknowledgement
CCDVCAS acknowledge that we work on the land of the Darkinyung People.
‘In the spirit of reconciliation, the Central Coast Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.’
LGBTIQ
The Central Coast Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (CCDVCAS) is a welcoming, safe space inclusive of the LGBTQ+ Community.
The Central Coast Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service also offers support and referrals to young women, the elderly and clients who have a disability.
Supporting Women against Domestic and Family Violence.
