DVD: Your Time to Be Heard
Several years ago clinics were introduced at Katoomba Court for victims giving evidence in domestic violence defended hearings. Under the initiative, a Prosecutor would spend time with victims, either individually or collectively, explaining the court process and the role of the victim as a witness at court. This initiative was well received by victims, and resulted in better court outcomes. The initiative, now known as ‘Prosecutor Clinics’, has subsequently been rolled out at a number of courts across the state. The Clinics operate in conjunction with the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (WDVCAS).
NSW Police have now produced a DVD that takes victims through the process of a court hearing and explains the roles and responsibilities of individuals at court as well as explaining some of the tactics that may be used by defendants’ solicitors in court. Advice is provided to victims on how to manage giving evidence at court.
The DVD was made with assistance from the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP) at Legal Aid NSW. Copies of the DVD have been distributed to all Domestic Violence Liaison Officers and WDVCASs across the state. The DVD can be used in training days, victim clinics, or can be run on loop in the victim safe rooms at court.
Poster: You make the call, we’ll make it stop
NSW Police has developed a series of posters for distribution through Domestic Violence Liaison Officers and partner agencies for display in public areas to raise community awareness about domestic violence and encourage reporting to police.
YouTube Clips
There are two short clips, which have been made to complement the posters, titled “You make the call, we’ll make it stop”. The first video poses the question of whether or not someone should call the police if they hear domestic violence occurring next door. The second video reveals what happens if the person hearing the violence does not make the call.
Watch the video here.
