WDVCAP independent evaluation 2018
Evaluation of the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program
Legal Aid NSW administers NSW Government funding for 29 Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (WDVCAS) for women across the state. WDVCASs provide women experiencing domestic and family violence and their children with information, advocacy, support and referrals, particularly in relation to court processes.
WDVCASs also host a key component of the NSW Government’s Safer Pathway domestic violence reforms. Safer Pathway aims to ensure that all domestic violence victims receive a consistent, effective and timely response, regardless of where they live, and that victims at serious threat of injury or death receive a priority, integrated response.
In 2018, independent consultants undertook an external evaluation of the Program.
The Final Report from the evaluation can be found here.
The evaluation findings were extremely positive. Some of the key findings include:
- WDVCASs are “very effective in assisting victims to be informed and supported to access legal protection [and to address] their safety and welfare needs”.
- Of the clients contacted, over 89% said they felt safer after engaging with the service, and 100% said they were treated with respect and understanding.
- The WDVCAP Unit program management model is unique and is achieving excellent results. The Unit approach to providing leadership, guidance and support appears to be a core element of the success of the service. The Final Report makes 24 recommendations regarding improvements to the WDVCAP.
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