[On-screen text: This video was made on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and pay our respects to Elders past and present.]
[On-screen text: People with lived experience of family violence helped us make this video. We are grateful to those who shared their stories and everyone who contributed.]
[On-screen text: Going to court – how to plan for your day]
Narrator: This video is to help you get ready to go to court for a family violence intervention order. Here, we'll answer questions and share some tips to help you plan for your day at court.
[On-screen text: Seek legal advice]
[A woman is sitting at her kitchen table. She is on the phone to Legal Help and writing notes in a notebook.]
Narrator: It's a good idea to get legal advice before your court date. You can call Legal Help, Victoria Legal Aid's free helpline on 1300 792 387…
[On-screen text: 1300 792 387]
Narrator: Or message us using Legal Help Chat…
[On-screen text: Legal Help Chat www.legalaid.vic.gov.au]
Narrator: Or find a community legal centre near you.
[On-screen text: Federation of Community Legal Centres www.fclc.org.au]
[We cut to a man, wearing grey shirt and black trousers, sitting with a duty lawyer at court. They are looking at the man’s paperwork and talking.]
Narrator: You may be able to meet with a free lawyer, called a duty lawyer, on the day of your hearing. See our video on getting free help from a lawyer at court to learn more.
[On-screen text: Plan ahead]
Speaker 2 [not shown] and quote on screen: When I went to the court the first time, I brought my three kids with me. The whole process took a very long time.
[We are back in the woman’s kitchen. She looks at her paperwork and then at her upcoming court date on a wall calendar.]
Narrator: You may need to be at court all day. Plan to take time off work and arrange childcare if you can. Some workplaces offer family violence leave.
Speaker 3 [not shown] and quote on screen: My lawyer said to get there at 9.30 am but I had to take the whole day off.
Narrator: Your court documents might say to get there at 9.30. You'll need to arrive then, but your hearing could be much later.
[On-screen text: ‘Can I get an interpreter in my language?’ ‘Where do I park?’ ‘Are there separate waiting areas?’]
Narrator: You can find information about the court you're going to. Visit the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria website and type the court’s name into the search bar.
[On-screen text: Magistrates’ Court of Victoria www.mcv.vic.gov.au]
[A laptop shows the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria website, with someone typing ‘Moorabbin’ into the Find a court search bar on the homepage.]
Narrator: If you need an interpreter, have questions about accessibility or other types of support, it’s best to contact the court as soon as possible.
[The laptop shows part of a Pre-court information form on the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria website.]
Narrator: If you're worried about safety, you can ask the court about this too. You have the right to be safe at court and they can help you with this.
[The woman is now leaving her house and closing the front door.]
[On-screen text: Ask for support]
Speaker 4 [not shown] and quote on screen: When I went to court, I was so nervous. I didn't know what to expect.
Narrator: There are family violence workers you can speak with at court, and specialist First Nations and LGBTIQA+ support the court can arrange for you in advance. Contact the court before the day or ask at the front counter when you arrive. You can also bring a friend, family member or support worker to help you throughout the day.
[On-screen text: On the day]
Narrator: Here are some other things that it may help to think about.
[On-screen text: What to wear]
[The woman and her friend are walking towards her car. The woman is wearing a red top, grey trousers and black jacket. Her friend is wearing a grey dress and black boots.]
Narrator: It's a good idea to wear neat, casual clothes. Choose something you feel comfortable in. Sometimes emotions, like stress, can make you feel extra hot or cold.
[On-screen text: Getting to court]
Narrator: Think about how you'll get to and from court. Allow extra time so you don't worry about being late.
[On-screen text: When you arrive]
Narrator: When you arrive, you'll need to go through security screening. Make sure you don't bring any sharp or unsafe items.
[On-screen text: Bring your court documents]
[The woman and her friend are inside the court building. She approaches the family violence counter and shows her paperwork to the staff there. The staff member looks at the paperwork, then hands it back with a friendly smile.]
Narrator: If you have them, bring your court documents or a digital copy on your phone.
[On-screen text: Bring your phone and medication]
[Another person is standing in the waiting area, looking at brochures on the wall. They are wearing a white blouse and bronze skirt.]
Narrator: Remember your phone, charger or power bank, and any medication you need.
[On-screen text: Bring things to help pass the time]
[People are sitting while they wait for their hearings. One person, wearing a casual suit, is looking at their phone. The same duty lawyer and man from earlier are talking. A third person, wearing short-sleeved red shirt and black jeans, is sitting in a separate waiting area. They have their headphones on, are reading a book and drinking from a takeaway cup.]
Narrator: You can also bring things to help pass the time, like a magazine or book or crossword puzzle.
[On-screen text: Take snacks and a drink]
Narrator: Take snacks and a drink. Many courts close for lunch. This is a good time to get some food and fresh air.
[On-screen text: Things to remember]
Narrator: We hope you're feeling a little more prepared for the day. Before you go, here are a few things to remember.
[On-screen text: 1. Seek legal advice]
Narrator: Contact Victoria Legal Aid or your local community legal centre before your court date.
[On-screen text: 2. Plan ahead]
Narrator: Plan to be at court all day. Arrange leave from work and childcare if you can.
[On-screen text: 3. Ask for support]
Narrator: Bring a support person or ask the court about support workers before you go.
[On-screen text: 4. On the day]
Narrator: Bring anything you need for the day, including documents, snacks and medication.
[On-screen text: 5. Take care of yourself]
Narrator: Plan ways to look after yourself before and after court. You could talk to a friend, family member or support service.
[The woman is back home, sitting on her couch in the evening after court. She is talking on the phone.]
Narrator: Remember, help is available.
[On-screen text listing family violence services]
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
24/7 national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service.
Safe Steps – 1800 015 188
24/7 family violence response centre.
Djirra – 1800 105 303
Legal support for people experiencing family violence who are:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- a parent or carer of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service – 1800 064 865
Legal services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Rainbow Door, Switchboard Victoria – 1800 729 367
LGBTIQA+ helpline for information, support and referral.
Q+Law – (03) 9968 1002
Legal services for Victorian LGBTIQA+ communities.
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence – 1800 755 988
Family violence support for victim survivors from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
No to Violence – 1300 766 491
Services and counselling for men who use family violence.
[On-screen text giving contact information for Victoria Legal Aid]
Victoria Legal Aid
1300 792 387
Phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to talk to us.
Use the National Relay Service to phone us if you have a hearing or speech impairment.
[End of transcript]
Reviewed 04 December 2023