Family law support volunteers make their mark

Adina* is typical of many women who come to Emerge after leaving home because of family violence. She has many issues to deal with from finding schools for her children, organising Centrelink, new doctors, and adapting to a new way of life. High on her list of worries is dealing with legal matters.

Emerge has recently put in a place a Family Law Support Volunteer scheme which links volunteers with women, like Adina, to support them through their court journey.

Lara, Emerge Volunteer Coordinator said, that four volunteers had been recruited to help women going through challenging legal matters.

“They have either studied or are currently studying law as well as working in law,” she said.

“There is often anxiety about how what to do to prepare for court, explain and demystify the legal terminology and explain the family law court process. This service aims to remove some of that angst, as well as provided much need emotional support and encouragement,” she added.

“The volunteers have a supporting role. They don’t provide advice,” Lara said.

When recruiting for the service, Lara said many of the volunteers were attracted to being part of a community creating change in family violence, and to gain experience in the social, community and not-for-profit sectors.