Jane Wangmann and Miranda Kaye, Evaluating NSW Domestic Violence Hearing Support Pilot, January 2023.
In August 2022 the NSW Government announced time-limited funding for the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) Hearing Support Pilot (the Pilot). Under the Pilot, 14 out of 27 WDVCASs received funding to provide support to women complainants, and persons in need of protection, in defended hearings for domestic and family violence-related criminal charge matters and Apprehended Domestic Violence Order matters. Previously, funding was not generally available if matters went to defended hearings. The 14 Pilot services cover 73 local courts across NSW. The Pilot aims to improve victims’ engagement with the court process, reduce the stress and trauma associated with the court process, reduce the likelihood that victims may disengage from the court process, help victims give accurate evidence when their matter goes to hearing, and to help victims obtain ADVOs with appropriate conditions to ensure their safety. Jane Wangmann and Miranda Kaye have been awarded a tender by Legal Aid NSW to provide an independent evaluation of the Pilot. The year long evaluation will consider quantitative data, as well as qualitative feedback from project stakeholders and WDVCAS clients. Jane and Miranda are looking forward to visiting Pilot sites around NSW during the year.