Going to court due to having been subjected to domestic abuse can be stressful and fearful. Our court support team are trained in family law and have extensive experience in helping women take positive steps towards a better life for themselves and their children.
When you arrive to our court support office, you will be met in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. You will be supported in completing the paper work needed to apply for a domestic violence order. A member of our team will sit with you and explain the process from start to finish.
What we offer
Court Support Testimonials
Going to court to get a domestic abuse order can be intimidating. Read what some of the women we have worked with have to say about us helping them deal with facing the court system, the paperwork and their ex-partners. We’re there to support you no just on the day itself, but whenever you need us before or after.
“Made my whole experience much easier to deal with”
“My court support worker explained the procedures in detail, what to expect and how to complete the form for the protection order. She was very supportive and made a very stressful situation so much easier. On the day of the court case, the procedures were explained again. It made my whole experience much easier to […]
“So empowering and safe”
“I first met my court outreach support worker who supported me with my protection order hearing. I honestly would not have been able to get through it without her. She met me for one-to-one’s for more support after that court hearing and I also got involved in the support group. I cannot begin to explain […]
“They are still helping me to this day”
“I got information while I was in court about the service. I’m dyslexic and felt stressed. I found it great the staff helped me with my paperwork and got me help. My court support worker was very helpful and they are still helping me to this day. She made me feel safe and stayed with […]
Helped me feel safe and empowered
“My court support worker was always very considerate and helpful. I’m extremely grateful to them because they gave me kindness, empathy and information, which I needed to help me feel safe and empowered. The service provided really can help improve people’s lives during difficult times. Anu helped me be informed and stay calm at the […]
“The staff were amazing”
“The staff were amazing from my first meeting right up to the day I got my safety order.”
Helped me with post-separation abuse
“Hayley and Elaine from Anu have been a significant influence on my ability to attend Bray Court and to help with the accounts of post separation abuse that me and my children have been through since our first encounter in 2019.”
Rachel and Elaine were so helpful
“The staff were so helpful. Elaine was dealing with case first and had given me her number. I texted her about 18 months later and she gave me all the information to call into Rachel as Elaine was away. I called in & met Rachel and she was brilliant, helped me with filling in my […]
“All lovely and very knowledgeable”
“All lovely and very knowledgeable, there is so much about court lingo and processes that I could never understand without help. I would have gave up if I did not find that support.”
“I couldn’t of asked for a nicer and helpful team.”
“I met Elaine and Rachel over multiple occasions in the court. Both were very friendly, supportive and helpful throughout the whole process. They answered all our questions, and looked for answers they did not have by seeking information for us. Both approached myself and my mam throughout the court process to ensure we are both […]
Incredible support through the court proceedings
“Rachel was one of the most incredible people I could’ve met. Her support through the court proceedings was incredible. She was so thoughtful and mindful of what I was going through.”
“So helpful and supportive”
“I had the pleasure of meeting two lovely ladies: Rachael and Elaine. They were both so helpful and supportive and stayed with me for the whole process.”
“A significant influence on my ability to attend court”
“Hayley and Elaine in Bray Court and Anu have been a significant influence on my ability to attend court and to help with the accounts of post separation abuse that me and my children have been through since our first encounter in 2019.”
“Extremely supportive.”
“Excellent care, especially from Rachel.”
“Helped me with filling in my form & getting to see the judge”
“The staff were so helpful. Elaine was dealing with my case first and had given me her number. I texted her about 18 months later and she gave me all the information to call into Rachel as she was away. I called in & met Rachel and she was brilliant, helped me with filling in […]
“Hayley helped me with everything”
“If it wasn’t for Hayley, I wouldn’t have had the strength at times to follow through with charges. The court system and the guards are very hard to navigate and understand. Hayley helped me with everything and made it so I understood. Her advice and having her to talk to meant so much to me, […]
“All lovely and very knowledgeable”
“All lovely and very knowledgeable, there is so much about court lingo and processes that I could never understand without help. I would have given up if I did not find that support.”
Answering all our questions, seeking information for us…
“I have met Elaine and Rachel over multiple occasions in the court. Both were very friendly, supportive and helpful throughout the whole process. They answered all our questions, and looked for answers they did not have by seeking information for us. Both approached myself and my Mam throughout the court process to ensure we were […]
“So thoughtful and mindful”
“Rachel was one of the most incredible people I could’ve met. Her support throughout the court proceedings was incredible. She was so thoughtful and mindful of what I was going through.”
“So helpful and supportive”
“I had the pleasure of meeting two lovely ladies Rachel and Elaine. They were both so helpful and supportive. They stayed with me for the whole process.”
Feeling informed and calm at court
My court support worker helped me feel informed and calm at the Bray District Court. The service you provide really can help improve people’s lives during difficult times. Thank you!”
Consistent support
“My court support worker was consistent in her support. She was hugely knowledgeable about the court process and court proceedings and able to acknowledge the shortfalls of these at the same time.”
Kept me informed of my options
“My court support worker was respectful. Provided me with information and choices. She didn’t push me. In a step-by-step way, she kept me informed of my options, informed of the dangers and gave me advice on how to manage these.”
Support with my Protection Order hearing
“I first met my outreach support worker who supported me with my protection order hearing. I honestly would not have been able to get through it without her. After the court hearing, I was put back in touch with the outreach team for more support.
Support makes a huge difference
“I’ve always felt supported from the staff at Bray Women’s Refuge and the outreach team. It makes a huge difference having someone on the end of the phone or having someone to chat with in court.”
Making change possible
My outreach worker helped me prepare for my protection order, a safety order application, and my section 32 interview and helped me access housing so I could leave my ex-husband. . None of this would have been possible without her support and encouragement.
“Explained in detail how the system works”
“My court support worker was amazingly supportive, kind, helpful and always kept in touch with me. She always made me very aware that I could ring her at any stage. She was the only one in the whole process that explained in detail how the system works. I couldn’t have got through it without her.”
“Helping me on my journey”
“My outreach support worker has been a huge support to me. She was so informative and a huge guidance helping me on my journey. She was able to liaise with other organisations in regard to housing and supported me fully attending court. I am forever grateful for all her help.”
Court Support – respectful, informative and consistent
“My court support worker was patient. She listened, teased out what was going on and took time to understand where my fear was coming from. She helped me to see the reality of what was going on in my relationship. She was able to name and pinpoint things and ultimately place these within the framework […]
Court Support – having a safe, private space
“My outreach support worker provided me with emotional and practical support after there was a breach in my protection order and at multiple times over the following months as different issues arose… She met with me prior to my trial date, then made sure to be in court on the trial day itself. On the […]
Applying for a Protection and Safety Order
“I’ve been guided by the outreach support workers through the process of making an application for a protection and safety order. The team were very clear, supportive and informative. I felt very well supported and informed at every stage of the process. They helped me to understand what to expect at each step.”
“I’ll be grateful forever.”
“There are no words to say how hopeless I felt. My outreach support worker was fantastic and so was the court accompaniment I received. I’ll be grateful forever.”
“Patient, warm and non-judgemental”
“The staff were amazing from my first meeting right up to the day I got my safety order. The support given to me was excellent. My key worker was extremely patient, warm and non-judgemental. Even just being able to say what’s going on out loud to someone is therapeutic.”
“So helpful and very supportive.”
“Over the last year and half, Anu have been so helpful and very supportive. Anytime I needed them they were there for me, and not just in court! Any time they would always pick up the phone and I’m very grateful.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did last year without them.”
“The staff ensured that I felt safe and comfortable throughout everything this year. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did last year without them.”
