This research investigates women's experiences of the legal system when applying for a domestic violence order. A selected sample of women who were in the process of applying for, or had applied for, a domestic violence order were surveyed, and asked to complete the self-report questionnaire to examine their experiences of the legal system. There has been a large volume of research conducted in this area over the last decade and the aim of this research project is to ascertain whether or not there has been any change in specific areas relating to the application for a domestic violence order. The research project looks at the Australian legal system in general, also the attitudes and knowledge of Magistrates in relation to domestic violence was examined along with the use of ouster order legislation. Due to the small number of questionnaires returned, the data collected gives a limited insight into women's experiences of the legal system. Although as stated there has been previous research conducted in the area of women's experiences of the legal systemt this current research project adds to the existing data. The analysis of the data from the questionnaire, though limited, serves to highlight that despite earlier research many of the issues facing women when applying for a domestic violence order, are the same issues that were identified a decade ago, with little having changed. This research also includes a comparative review of the different domestic violence legislation across all Australian States and Territories. The review of the legislation examined the aims and purpose of the various Domestic Violence Acts along with the way in which domestic violence and domestic relationships are defined within the legislation. Also examined were the diverse number of conditions that can be placed on a Domestic Violence Order. The comparative review of the State and Territory Domestic Violence Acts highlighted that while domestic violence legislation is similar in many respects across Australia, there are some areas in which the legislation varies. In the areas reviewed some aspects ofthe legislation is clearly defined whilst others are left, to a degree, to the individual Magistrate's interpretation. Also some Acts are more comprehensive in their coverage of domestic relationships, behaviour deemed to be domestic violence and the conditions that cart be made on domestic violence orders. Whilst the Australian Government conducted a review of Domestic Violence legislation early in 2009, and found that in most areas the legislation is similar in terms or its effect across all jurisdictions, closer examination by this research project found some major differences between the Acts which adds to the argument for the toughening and standardisation of domestic violence legislation across Australia.