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You Don't Have to Face It Alone: What CAAFLU Can Do for You

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Reaching out for help when you are experiencing family violence takes real courage. If you're not sure where to start — or whether help is even available for your situation — this is for you.

CAAFLU is here. And everything we do is free.

Who we are

The Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit (CAAFLU) provides free legal help and support services specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by family violence or sexual assault.

We have offices in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, and we travel out to communities including Ntaria, Yuendumu, Papunya, Elliott, and Ali Curung.

What we can help with

Our team can help you understand your legal rights, assist with protection orders, support you through police processes, and connect you with other services you might need.

We know how complicated these situations can be — especially in communities where family relationships are complex and where fear of shame or judgment can make it hard to ask for help.

We are on your side

Everything you tell us is confidential. Our team is culturally safe and understands the specific challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigating the legal system in Central Australia.

You don't need to figure this out alone. Call us on 1800 088 884 — it's free.

Understanding Protection Orders: What Are They and How Can They Help?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

If you are afraid of someone — a partner, a family member, someone who has hurt you — a protection order may be one of the most important tools available to you.

Here is a plain-language explanation of what they are and how CAAFLU can help.

What is a protection order?

A protection order (sometimes called a domestic violence order or DVO) is a legal document issued by a court that places conditions on the behaviour of the person who has hurt or threatened you.

It might say they cannot contact you, cannot come to your home, cannot come near your children. If they break these conditions, they can be arrested and charged.

How do you get one?

You can apply for a protection order at the local court. The police can also apply on your behalf, particularly in emergency situations.

The process can feel intimidating — especially if you've never had to deal with courts before. That's exactly where CAAFLU can help. We will sit with you, explain what's happening, help you prepare your application, and support you throughout the process.

What if the other person lives in a remote community?

Protection orders still apply in remote communities. CAAFLU works with communities across Central Australia and the Barkly Region, and our team can advise on how orders are enforced in different locations.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000. If you want to understand your options, call CAAFLU on 1800 088 884 .

For Workers Who Support Survivors: How to Refer Clients to CAAFLU

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

If you work in health, community services, housing, or education in Central Australia, you are likely to encounter clients who are experiencing or have experienced family violence or sexual assault.

CAAFLU is here to work alongside you.

What we provide

We offer free legal representation and advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by family violence and sexual assault. Our services include assistance with protection orders, legal advice about rights in police processes, court support, and connections to other services.

How a referral works

You can refer a client to us directly by calling our office or asking the client to call our free helpline: 1800 088 884 .

If a client isn't ready to engage with legal services directly, you can also call us to get advice about how best to support them — without necessarily bringing them into a formal process before they are ready.

Why legal support matters

Many community workers focus on the immediate safety and wellbeing needs of clients experiencing family violence — and rightly so. But legal processes are often part of the picture. Protection orders, police processes, child protection matters, and housing arrangements can all have significant legal dimensions.

Getting legal advice early makes a material difference to outcomes. CAAFLU is equipped to provide that advice in a way that is culturally safe and accessible.

Our team is based in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. We work across the Central Australian and Barkly regions and are always available to discuss how to best support your clients.

2020 CAAFLU Art Competition

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 04:12:15 GMT

We are excited to announce ~CAAFLU's Art Competition~ winners for 2020

ALICE SPRINGS REGION:

1st and 2nd prize: Ruth Cook Campbell

3rd prize: Centralian Middle School students: Georgette Morton, Keane Kunoth, Kyleah Hodgetts, Takeena Loy.

BARKLY REGION:

1st prize: K.J.

2nd and 3rd prize: Henrietta Driver.