Everyone deserves to be and feel safe. And our team is here to help with that. If you or your children are experiencing violence, intimidation or controlling behaviour, our experienced domestic violence lawyers in Sydney can help ensure that you’re taking all the legal steps necessary – with compassion, understanding and discretion.
Call 1300 516 443 or book your consultation today to speak with a caring, experienced AVO solicitor in Sydney.
What is domestic violence
Domestic violence in Australia includes a wide range of abusive behaviours that can occur in intimate or family relationships. These can include:
- Physical violence – including assault, hitting, pushing or damaging property, even when it’s incurred ‘recklessly’ where harm is not necessarily intended but due to reckless actions has occurred
- Sexual abuse – unwanted sexual contact in any form, even within a relationship or marriage
- Emotional abuse – threats, manipulation, intimidation or gaslighting
- Psychological abuse – isolating, harassment or social isolation
- Financial abuse – restricting or controlling access to money or other resources, or controlling financial decisions
- Spiritual abuse – preventing someone from practicing their religion, using religious or spiritual beliefs to control behaviour or forcing another person to align with their beliefs against their will
- Stalking or harassment – repeated, unwanted attention or contact that causes fear, for example, following someone or sending unwanted messages
- Malicious damage of property – intentionally causing damage to someone else’s property – for example, vandalism or arson
Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, background or even relationship status. And no two cases are the same. If you feel unsafe or controlled in any way, you have the right to seek protection and we’re here to help you do that.
At Watts McCray our dedicated team of Sydney family lawyers are accredited specialists trained in managing family law issues like domestic violence. We work together to make sure that you’ve taken all the legal steps possible to keep you and your family safe and protected.
How our domestic violence lawyers in Sydney can help
Our team are dedicated to working quickly to secure the legal protections you need and help you navigate the complex family law issues connected to domestic violence.
We can assist with:
- Applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)
- Responding to an AVO application made against you
- Advising you during separation, divorce or parenting disputes involving family violence
- Attending court on your behalf
- Working with police, support services and the courts on your behalf
Obtaining an AVO
One of the best legal ways you can protect yourself or your children if you’re concerned with your safety, is by getting an apprehended violence order (known as an AVO). Getting started is simple – just give us a call, and one of our expert family lawyers can advise and guide you.
How does an AVO work?
An AVO is a court order that is issued to protect victims of domestic violence who are fearful that their abuser might engage in future acts of violence, harm or intimidation.
The order itself sets out rules or conditions that stop the other person from taking certain actions. This might be calling you, coming to your home or even approaching you or your children. It could even be as specific as restricting a parent from being near the children’s school.
There are two types of AVOs:
- Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), which are issued to people in a domestic relationship, such as de facto partners or family member
- Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVOs), which are issued to people who are not related, such as neighbours, colleagues or even strangers
Both are obtained and enforced in the same way and are equally enforceable in the legal and criminal system.
How to enforce an AVO?
If the person named in the AVO violates the order, your first step is to immediately contact the police on 000. Breaching the order is a crime, and you have criminal and legal avenues to seek help.
You should also document the breach (write down what happened and when) and then get in touch with our team who is on hand to assist.
Defending against an AVO
Sometimes AVOs might be sought inappropriately or can impose unfair or highly-damaging conditions in the order. If you have been served with an AVO, which you think is unfair or damaging, there are legal avenues you can seek.
You may:
- Consent to the AVO
- Make a cross application
- Oppose the application
- Ask for an adjournment to get legal advice
- Give the court an undertaking
- Ask the court for an interim order
If you’ve been served with an interim or final AVO and believe it’s unjust or excessive, our AVO lawyers in Sydney can also represent you in contesting the order or negotiating more appropriate conditions. Get in touch with our team – we can help you take the best steps for your situation.
What happens if you breach an AVO?
If an AVO has been made against you, you must follow the conditions set out in that order. Breaching an AVO is a crime, and you can be arrested or issued with a fine if you don’t follow it.
Why choose Watts McCray’s Sydney team?
Our Watts McCray Sydney team are expert AVO lawyers. We’re here to support you to understand and protect your rights and will always keep your safety, and your family’s safety, as our number one priority.
- Team of specialists. Our team are accredited specialists in family law, which means we’ve gained advanced knowledge and skills and have demonstrated that to the Law Society of New South Wales. As accredited specialists we have a deep understanding of the law and court procedures surrounding AVOs, separation and parenting orders.
- Successful outcomes. Our Sydney family law team have helped countless clients across NSW navigate complex DV and family law matters, to achieve the best possible results for their situation.
- Client-first guidance and support. Your safety, wellbeing and future are our top priorities. We always act quickly, empathetically and sensitively to support your needs.
- Comprehensive family law services. We can assist with all related legal matters, including divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements and emergency protections.
Watts McCray Lawyers can help you work towards a better future with our high level of attention, support and guidance. Our accredited team of legal experts take great care in your representation, making sure we go above and beyond to cover all legal aspects and present a solid case that protects your immediate and future needs.
Where you’ll find us in Sydney
Our office sits in the heart of the Sydney CBD, just a one-minute walk from Town Hall Station, a five-minute walk from Museum Station and close to major bus routes on Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets. There are also secure parking stations nearby.
Watts McCray Family Lawyers Sydney
Level 7, Suite 702
570 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact details
Phone: 1300 516 443
FAQs
The first step is to remember you are not alone. If you’re in immediate danger, call OOO. If you are in fear of danger, seek legal and police help to get the protections you need to deal with the perpetrator.
There are also other types of support available:
- For counseling and advice contact 1800RESPECT.
- For legal advice contact Victims Access Line (1800 633 063), Redfern Legal Centre ((02) 9698 7277) or our team.
- For a place to stay if you’re ready to leave, contact the NSW Women’s Refuge Resource Centre (1800 656 463).
Making a false allegation in an AVO application is a serious matter. It can damage reputations, affect relationships and, in some cases, can even amount to a criminal offense. When you’re making an application for an AVO it’s important to be as truthful as possible at all times.
Yes. At Watts McCray, we represent both applicants (those seeking an AVO) and respondents (those who have an AVO application made against them) in AVO matters. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, our lawyers can provide strategic representation to make sure that your legal rights are protected.
Yes, in some circumstances an AVO may be withdrawn by the police or applicant or even dismissed by the court if there isn’t enough evidence or the situation changed. If you’re looking for help defending against an AVO, or asking to have it withdrawn or varied, our AVO lawyers in Sydney can help.
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