Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence will have increased access to free legal support at the ACT Magistrates Court from today.
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) (ALS) will introduce on-the-spot legal services for First Nations people applying for family violence orders, operating alongside existing services provided by Legal Aid ACT.
Indigenous Australians are more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to experience domestic, family and sexual violence and are over-represented among applicants for family and domestic violence protection orders.
A solicitor from the ALS Family Violence Prevention Unit will be available three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — either in person at the court or by phone, providing legal representation, advice and referrals to other support services.
"We are looking forward to increasing our services for victim-survivors in the ACT, reflecting our commitment to providing culturally safe and high-quality legal support for people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence," ALS principal solicitor Kristy Tansey said
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will now have a choice of free legal providers, empowering them with more agency in choosing the legal provider that aligns with their preferences, needs and cultural considerations."
The ALS Family Violence Prevention Unit has operated since 2021, providing culturally safe, trauma-informed and holistic support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors across the ACT and NSW South Coast.
