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Online legal resources

  • There are a range of organisations that can help you navigate the legal system for a sexual, domestic or family violence matter
  • There are different services operating in different states
  • On this page you will find links to information, resources and support in each state and territory

Where can I find support and information on the legal system?

There are a number of ways you may come into contact with the legal system when you have experienced sexual assault, domestic or family violence. This page contains links to organisations that provide legal information, resources and support wherever you are in Australia, free of charge.

The first section has links to national, state and territory legal services as well as useful online resources. In each section you will also find information on Magistrates' or Local Courts, which handle protection order applications and other domestic or family violence matters. For criminal matters, including sexual assault, or matters involving children you would need to attend a different court. Contact a legal service for further support and information or advice on which court you need to go.

In addition to the legal services listed on this page, sexual assault support or counselling services can also provide information and support for victims of rape and sexual assault. Support services may provide information on how to report the crime to police, have a Forensic Medical Examination and how to access emergency contraception. These services may also be able to provide ongoing counselling as well as support when reporting to police or being a witness in court.

The Service directory provides links to support and counselling services in your area.

Support services and legal resources

In case of immediate danger call 000 for police assistance. 

To make emergency calls using TTY dial 133 667 or find out more about accessibility options.

For information, referral and counselling contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or through online chat. Our service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Video resources

Some of the courts and legal services listed on this page also have videos that support people experiencing violence and abuse. These include videos about what to expect if you go to court, how to apply for an intervention order and some of the laws relating to domestic and family violence. As laws are slightly different in each state and territory it's important to use these videos as a guide only and to seek legal advice before making any important decisions.

Legal Aid A.C.T Legal Aid A.C.T have a series of videos that provide information on common legal matters. The videos are accessed through the Legal Aid A.C.T website.
Justice Department NSW The New South Wales Justice Department have a series of videos, containing information for victims of crime about going to court in that sate.
Magistrates Court SA The Magistrates Court of South Australia have created a video to explain the legal process of taking out an Intervention Order in that state.
Community Legal Centres TAS The Community Legals Centres of Tasmania have a video series on how to represent yourself in court. These provide a good overview for anyone going to court, including victims and defendants.
Neighbourhood Justice Centre VIC The Neighbourhood Justice Centre of Victoria have a range of videos relating to courts, legal matters and domestic and family violence.
Eastern Community Legal Centre VIC The Eastern Community Legal Centre of Victoria have created an easy to understand video on the process of applying for an intervention order in that state.

Next steps

Read about protection orders Taking out an intervention order against a perpetrator of violence can be a way to increase safety. Read about the process and risks to decide if this is the right option for you.
Learn about safety apps for mobile phones There are a range of apps for mobile phones that are designed to increase personal safety. These apps are not just for people in abusive relationships and can be useful for anyone wanting to increase safety.
Find a service The service directory contains information and links to services including legal, counselling and crisis services. These services can support you, whatever stage of your journey you are at.

Protection orders

  • Protection orders are called different things depending on the state or territory you are in:
    • Protection Orders (QLD)
    • Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (NSW)
    • Intervention Orders (VIC and SA)
    • Family Violence Restraining Orders (WA)
    • Family Violence Order (TAS)
    • Domestic Violence Order (ACT and NT)
  • A protection order is a legal order made to try to protect you from further violence and abuse
  • There are many services that can offer you free information and advice on protection orders and how to apply for one if you decide to do so

What is a protection order?

Some people experiencing violence choose to apply to the courts for a protection order. Protection orders are known by different names in each state and territory in Australia and the process of applying for one is also different.

The person applying for a protection order can request different conditions, depending on their own circumstances. Conditions are the things that the person using violence is not allowed to do to the person making the request.

This might include things like:

  • Hurting or threatening to hurt them
  • Damaging property or things they own
  • Stalking or contacting them
  • Coming to their home
  • Being within 100 metres of them

A protection order is not a criminal charge, but it is against the law to break a protection order by doing any of the things listed in it.

How do I get a protection order?

If you would like to know how to apply for a protection order you can speak with a legal service that offers free advice. These services are listed in our Service directory and include organisations like Women's Legal Service or Legal Aid. In most cases, you can go to the police for a protection order or apply directly to the courts.

You may be worried about the way an abusive person will respond to a protection order and if that will put you at risk of more violence. For many reasons, some people also may not want to call the police if an order is broken. These are things that you can talk to support services about before you decide to take out an order.  It is important to speak to someone who knows about protection orders in your state or territory before you make a decision to apply for one.

Find out more

Find a service Use the service directory to connect with free legal information and support services in your area.
Contact a women's legal service Women's Legal Services are located all around Australia and are a good place to start if you need legal support or advice.