Domestic violence help
in your region
Domestic violence help
in your region
Provides free legal and community support services for Aboriginal families and individuals in Western Australia. This includes legal advocacy, casework, court support and representation in matters related to family violence and sexual assault. They cannot act for perpetrators of violence. The legal matters they assist with include Violence Restraining Orders (VRO’s), criminal injuries compensation, and family law such as child recovery orders and parenting plans.
Criminal Law: ALSWA criminal law staff make sure the criminal courts know about cultural matters that apply, such as communication styles and tribal punishment.
Family Law: ALSWA family law staff make sure courts that deal with family law and protection issues know about cultural matters that apply, such as communication styles, how children are raised, and the importance of children and family in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Civil Law and Human Rights: ALSWA provides legal advice in a wide range of civil law and human rights matters, including discrimination, compensation for injury, police complaints and wills. ALSWA also assists with enquires about the Stolen Generation and Stolen Wages.
Community Education: ALSWA’s Law and Advocacy Unit is funded to advise Government and mainstream organisations about law and justice issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Western Australia.