What is the Project?

The aim of the Safe Relationships Project (SRP) is to provide Intersex people who are experiencing domestic violence with support, advocacy, referral and information.

The Safe Relationships Project can assist clients in accessing legal representation and to apply for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO) or Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVO) to help put an end to the violence they are experiencing.

This is available to ensure that a person’s right to safety is protected through the legal process no matter what their sex or gender is.

Where does the Project operate?

We are located at the Inner City Legal Centre in Kings Cross and have outreach services at some Local Courts across Sydney. We can also provide telephone support to people living outside of Sydney.

You can visit us at our office at 50-52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross by making an appointment. Ph: 9332 1966 or 1800 244 481

Your legal records will be kept at Inner City Legal Centre.

What will happen at the appointment?

You can meet the Project Officer who can discuss your situation with you. The Project Officer can provide you with information about the Court process and answer any questions you may have.

The Project Officer can also provide you with information about other services (e.g. housing, income security, counselling, ongoing support), which assist victims of domestic violence, and advise you on how to deal with these problems.

If requested, the Project Officer might be able to organise a solicitor to represent you at Court. The solicitor will give you legal advice about the orders you are seeking and talk on your behalf to the Court.

How can I use the service?

If you wish to use the service, contact the Safe Relationships Project Officer at the Inner City Legal Centre before your court day. This is particularly important as you can discuss with the Project Officer what is going to happen when you go to Court. The Project Officer may then either be able to attend your Court day with you or have a solicitor represent you.

Do I have to pay?

No. The service is free.

Are AVO laws the same for Intersex people?

Yes. The law recognises that Intersex people need the same protections as everyone else.

Will the Court refer to me in my preferred Name, Sex and Gender?

Yes. The Court should respect your preferred Name, Sex and Gender and the SRP can request all Court documents are recorded as such.

Will I be ‘outed’ as an Intersex person?

The SRP understands the sensitive issues around being ‘outed’. The SRP will respect your privacy and endeavour to make sure that your Sex or Gender at birth be kept discreet at all times. In some circumstances however, your Sex or Gender at birth may need to be disclosed in Court, for example if the application is defended. If this situation arises the SRP can support you through that process.

Will the Court and/or Police understand what an Intersex person is?

The SRP can provide information and consult with the Court staff and the Police officers involved so that Intersex is clearly understood.

Will the Courts and/or Police discriminate against me because I am Intersex?

No. The Court staff and Police are trained in equity and diversity and should not present discriminatory attitudes towards Intersex people. The Courts are a public space and with the help of the SRP you can feel safe and secure throughout the Court process.

What will happen with my kids?

Children can be protected if they are named as additional Persons in Need of Protection (PINOPs).

If you are caring for children in your relationship, you should seek some legal advice about your rights and responsibilities under the law.

What do I do if I need an Interpreter?

Interpreters for clients are usually ordered by Court staff. If you are not sure whether the Court has ordered one for you, contact the Court registry or ring the SRP at least three days before you are due to go to Court.

If people from my country of origin have strong views against Intersex and I need an Interpreter, will that person be sensitive to my Intersex?

Interpreters should conduct themselves in a professional manner and when they are in their professional role they should not be discriminatory or make you feel uncomfortable.

If you are feeling concerned, the SRP can consult with the Interpreters beforehand and will endeavour to find you an Interpreter that you will feel comfortable with.