Sydney hairdresser Leila Alavi was allegedly murdered by her estranged husband last weekend, even though an AVO was put in place to protect her. 

Ms Dordoy argues AVOs are effective but they need to be used with other services, such as the advocacy service, to ensure the victim was protected, knew her rights and knew where to go for help if there was a problem. 

“Apprehended domestic violence orders absolutely do work. An AVO is designed to modify the perpetrator’s behaviour,” she said.

“It sends a clear message that this behaviour needs to stop now. In most cases this is enough.” 

“Importantly the perpetrator needs to know that if they breach an AVO, there will be consequences.”

Sometimes called restraining orders, AVOs require the person who is the subject of the order to adhere to certain conditions, such as not approaching, intimidating, harassing, stalking or threatening the person taking out the order.

A breach of an AVO is a criminal offence that can land the offender in prison. 

Last year the advocacy service assisted 343 women in Orange, Cowra, Parkes and Forbes to obtain legal protection from domestic violence.

Ms Dordoy said there needs to be more than a criminal justice response to ensure victims were protected. 

“The victim needs to be linked to agencies that can help her. She needs ongoing support from family and friends. She needs to be believed and taken seriously,” she said. 

Housing Plus has domestic violence services that cover a range of needs, she said. 

These include the Central West Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, Operation Courage case management service and the Domestic Violence Local Coordination Point that ensures immediate safety needs are met. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence call 6361 1999 or if it is an emergency, call triple-0 .