“It’s not necessarily a justice system, it’s a legal system”: exploring the lived experience of court advocates vicariously exposed to domestic violence during Covid-19 lockdowns

Worldwide, one in three women aged 15-49 have experienced domestic violence, and 58% of all female homicides are due to domestic violence. For those victims who turn to the justice system for support, many are called to recount incidences of abuse in the pressure of a courtroom, often in the presence of their perpetrator. The lived experience of court advocates in supporting victims of domestic violence, particularly during the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic, is currently unknown. Therefore, this study explored the positive and negative interpretations of four court advocates vicariously and primarily at risk from the trauma of domestic violence within an Australian judicial system. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) provided the methodological framework, with data collected through semi-structured interviews. Three superordinate themes overarch multiple subordinate themes: 1) The chaos of interpersonal violence, 2) Battling systemic patriarchy, and 3) Unravelling growth. These themes parallel the participants’ own early and unconscious life exposure to domestic violence and adult relational abuse with their clients. Temporarily, their psychological wellbeing is destabilised as they witness the clash of complex life events played out within a legal system that is ponderously black and white and steeped in patriarchy. Existing inadequacies in rural services are exacerbated by Covid-19, placing additional strain on court advocates. Despite this, a sense of purpose emerges through integrating their own personal and vicarious experiences of domestic violence. Importantly, a passion for enacting change on a larger scale is psychologically protective, driving participants to continue advocating against an overwhelming and often misogynistic justice system.