Read an easy English explanation about how we help with family violence
What we help with
We can help if you are concerned about your safety with a family member, partner or former partner.
We can also help if you are responding to claims of family violence used by you.
We can give you advice about :
applying for a Family Violence Order (FVO)
understanding and responding to an FVO
changing conditions on an FVO (if you made the order).
We can also refer you to non-legal services.
Contact us
Visit our duty lawyer at court
If you are looking for urgent legal help, you can get help from our lawyers on duty at the Domestic Violence Unit. This is in the Magistrates Court. It is free to talk to a duty lawyer, and you do not need an appointment to talk to a duty lawyer.
Find out when our lawyers are in the Domestic Violence Unit at the Magistrates Court.
If you cannot visit the Domestic Violence Unit, please call or email us (see details below).
Call or email us
For urgent legal help with family violence, call (02) 6207 1874
- Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
For general enquiries or information, call 1300 654 314
- Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 7pm
- Friday 8.30am to 5pm
Email: dv@legalaidact.org.au
I need ongoing help
If you have a complex legal issue or need ongoing representation, you may be eligible for further assistance. The duty lawyer can advise if you need to apply for a grant of legal aid.
Get help from other services
ACT Police
If you are in an emergency or life-threatening situation, call the Police on 000 for emergency help.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Confidential counselling and advocacy for women and children who have experienced any form of sexual violence recently or in the past.
Phone: (02) 6247 2525
- Monday to Friday 7am to 11pm
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS)
DVCS supports all people affected by domestic/family violence. This includes people who are subjected to violence and abuse and people who use violence and abuse.
Phone: (02) 6280 0900
- 24 hours / 7 days
Victim Support ACT
Anyone who is a victim of a crime committed in the ACT is eligible for some support or information from Victim Support ACT.
Phone: 1800 8222 72 or (02) 6205 2066
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Women's Legal Centre ACT & Region
The Women's Legal Centre provides legal assistance to women. The Centre's main areas of practice are family law, victims of crime, employment and discrimination.
Phone (from Canberra): (02) 6257 4377
- Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
Phone (from outside Canberra): 1800 634 669
- Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
1800 RESPECT
National counselling service for domestic, family and sexual violence.
Phone: 1800 737 732
- 24 hours / 7 days
Resources
Factsheets
You can find Legal Aid factsheets on family violence below. These factsheets provide legal information only and are not legal advice.
Videos
These videos provide legal information only and are not legal advice.
Other resources
The Family Law Pathways Network has created a directory of legal and non-legal services for people who are interacting with the family law system: