A NSW Police initiative aimed demystifying the court process for victims of domestic violence will arrive in Goulburn today, NSW Police say.
Since 2013, the NSW Police Prosecutions Command has been introducing Domestic Violence Clinics at courthouses across the state.
Held once a month, the clinics aim to assist victims of domestic and family violence who have an upcoming court hearing.
The clinics provide information and advice about being a prosecution witness in a domestic-violence matter. Victims learn how to prepare for court, and what to expect during the hearing.
Domestic Violence Clinics are already operating in courts at Wollongong, Nowra, Newcastle, Liverpool, Dubbo, Downing Centre and Lismore.
Starting today, a Domestic Violence Clinic will be conducted at Goulburn Courthouse on the third Tuesday of every month.
The clinics are run with the assistance of representatives from the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service NSW.
“Giving evidence in a domestic-violence matter can be daunting, particularly when you have no experience with the court system,” NSW Police Force Prosecutions Commander, Chief Superintendent Tony Trichter, said.
“Domestic Violence Clinics can alleviate some of this anxiety by informing victims what they might see and hear when they give their evidence,” Ch Supt Trichter said.
“This includes the roles of people they might see in the courtroom; the language used and what it means; and even questions they might be asked by the defence.
“Police also benefit from the clinics, because a well-informed and well-prepared witness will provide the best testimony, and increase the chances of a successful prosecution,” Ch Supt Trichter said.
