About us

Dispute Settlement Centre

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) is a division of the Victorian Department of Justice.

DSCV provides Victorians with a range of free, confidential dispute resolution services. Using DSCV services to resolve a dispute is often a cheaper, fairer and simpler alternative to taking disputes through the courts.

What services are offered by the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria?

DSCV offers a range of ways to help resolve disputes.  Experienced DSCV staff can listen to concerns, help clarify issues, answer questions and work with members of the Victorian public to provide options and strategies for resolving their disputes. DSCV staff are also trained to provide referrals to other specialist services when appropriate.

When mediation is recommended as the most effective method for resolving a dispute, the DSCV may offer to contact the other person and invite them to participate in mediation session. The process involves DSCV staff conducting a full assessment with everyone involved to ensure the dispute is suitable for mediation. The whole process can be done over the telephone or in person.

What is mediation?

Mediation involves a meeting between the people in dispute. The mediation is conducted by a trained and accredited impartial mediator who helps parties discuss the issues, identify solutions and work towards a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is a fair and respectful process that is focussed on achieving solutions everyone can live with.

Mediations are very successful in resolving disputes, with 85 per cent of mediations at DSCV ending in agreements.

Training and education services

DSCV offers registered training in mediation, as well as a range of informal conflict resolution training sessions and workshops.

DSCV is also a Recognised Mediation Accreditation Body under the National Mediator Accreditation System, and has the authority to train and accredit both new and experienced mediators.

How do I find out more?

There are DSCV offices throughout Victoria.

To contact your local office, call: 1800 658 528