Domestic Violence Legal Service - Information Brochure

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This information is general and not a substitute for legal advice. The Legal Service Commission provides free advice for most legal problems. Call the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 or visit www.lsc.sa.gov.au or www.lawhandbook.sa.gov.au

The service

The Domestic Violence Legal Service (DVLS) is a wraparound legal and social work service providing legal advice, representation and social work assistance to women who have experienced, or are experiencing, domestic or family violence.

The service is free and confidential and can be accessed via phone, email or referral.

Call  (08)  8111 5511

Email  familysafety@lsc.sa.gov.au

Eligibility

If you are a woman who is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic or family violence, you may be eligible to access free legal help by telephone or in person at one of our office locations.

The DVLS also works in partnership with certain hospitals and health services. You can speak with your healthcare provider to discuss a referral or to contact us for more information.

Domestic or family violence

Domestic and family violence is not only physical abuse and can involve a wide range of behaviours including when a partner or family member:

• threatens to harm you or your children
• commits a sexual act or activity without consent, or after consent is withdrawn
• verbally abuses, harasses, intimidates or humiliates you
• controls where you go, who you see or what you do
• controls or denies access to money, finances or financial support
• monitors your phone, messages, online activity or location
• damages your property
• stalks or follows you.

What we do

Our lawyers provide free legal advice and representation in a range of areas, including:

• family law matters including divorce, children and property matters
• intervention orders
• residential tenancy disputes
• debt matters
• civil and administrative law matters. 

If you have other legal issues, DVLS can help you access further legal advice or provide referrals, including support for matters such as migration, child support and Centrelink.

To access support from our social workers, you will first need to receive legal advice from one of our DVLS lawyers who will then identify and complete the referral. 

Our social workers can help with:

• ongoing case management and coordinated care
• personalised safety planning
• support when making statements to police.

Social workers can also help connect you with specialist services, including:

• emergency accommodation and housing support
• domestic and family violence counselling
• financial counselling, emergency payments and Centrelink support
• home safety and security assessments.

Domestic or family violence and legal issues often go hand-in-hand. If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, think about seeking legal advice.

Call us now to arrange a free and confidential appointment with one of our lawyers.

1 September 2026