This is the first episode in our podcast series exploring domestic violence in Australia.  We will explore the legal issues people experience, the services available to provide support and speak to a wide range of people working in the sector.     We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.  In this first episode, Pauline from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks with Bev Lazarou, who works in Legal Aid NSW’s Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program.   Bev was recently named NSW Public Servant of the Year at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Awards for the work she does and has done for many years.   There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are experiencing domestic and family violence.  Links to support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence are below.  1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 – a free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and domestic and family violence.  www.1800respect.org.au   1800 656 463  NSW Domestic Violence Line–free, confidential counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.  1800 424 017 for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, recently or in the past, also for family members professionals and others impacted.    1800 943 539 – 24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.  1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia – provides counselling for people whose lives have been impacted by violence and abuse. www.fullstop.org.au   1800 211 028 – 24/7 for adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse.  Helping anyone accessing the Redress scheme or alternative compensation.  13 92 76 – 13 YARN – 24/7 support for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. www.13yarn.org.au   Well Mob - www.wellmob.org.au social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  1800 497 212 – A free, confidential service available 24/7 for anyone from the LGBTQI+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.  Say it out loud - www.sayitoutloud.org.au  a national service for LGBTQ+ communities and service professionals working with people who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence   1300 766 491 – 7 days pw service for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by men’s use of violence or abusive behaviours.  Useful websites:  Our Watch | Quick facts about violence against women  Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: support and resources  https://www.respect.gov.au   Family and domestic violence - Services Australia  The UTS evaluation of the WDVCAS Hearing Support Pilot is available on the UTS website on the link below:   OPUS at UTS: Evaluation of the WDVCAS Hearing Support Pilot - Open Publications of UTS Scholars    To find out more information about what we talked about in this episode –    https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-partners/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-program   (this page includes a list of locations.  https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/my-problem-is-about/my-family-or-relationship/domestic-and-family-violence/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-services     Music: What a day by bhzimmy Editing by Pauline Matthews from Legal Aid NSW  Transcript: https://bit.ly/41E9ibt    Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au  Disclaimer: This podcast is general information only and cannot be relied on as legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. If you need assistance about a particular situation, contact our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529.