We work to make it easier for people who are facing family and sexual violence to get safe and fair support
More people need legal help but too many are missing out
Community legal services like Women’s Legal provide free, trusted support that helps people deal with problems early, before they become crises.
But currently, for every person who gets community legal services help, two more are turned away.
This state election, we are fighting for this to change through Community Legal - We’ve Got Your Back - the Federation of Community Legal Centres Victorian election campaign.
Advocacy in action: giving families a greater chance at staying together
We worked alongside Aboriginal organisations, community legal centres and family violence support services to overturn unfair child protection laws that were permanently separating children from their parents.
Just weeks after the reforms came into effect, Victorian families were already getting more time to reunite safely.
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Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship
The Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship honours Jacinta Dwyer who was a compassionate lawyer, Magistrate and much‑loved former Women’s Legal staff member.
The internship gives law students and emerging professionals the chance to gain hands‑on experience alongside our lawyers and multidisciplinary team. Each intern completes a focused report that supports our services, advocacy or community education.
Interns leave with practical skills, a clear piece of work they can build on, and a stronger understanding of trauma‑informed, people‑centred legal practice.
Why advocacy matters
Our advocacy is shaped by what we see every day.
Our lawyers, social workers and financial counsellors work with hundreds of women and non‑binary people experiencing family and sexual violence every year. We see where laws and systems fall short or cause harm.
We use this insight to push for practical changes so victim-survivors are believed, are supported safely when they reach out for help and can access the right help without delay or confusion.
Campaigns we support
Women’s Legal supports campaigns that align with our commitment to safety, dignity, equality and access to justice.
We work alongside partners—not in competition—to strengthen systems and improve responses for people experiencing violence.
Justice with dignity. Change that lasts.
Together, we can help women and non‑binary people get legal help with dignity and work for safer, fairer systems.
Latest news
Joint statement: Safety depends on support, not criminalisation
While coercive and controlling behaviour causes profound harm and must be addressed, a standalone criminal offence is unlikely to deliver the improvements in safety and accountability that victim-survivors deserve.
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A safer future starts with a fair settlement
Delivered by Women’s Legal Service Victoria in partnership with Westjustice, commUnity+Legal and Barwon Community Legal Service, the Safe Settlements project helps women and non-binary people resolve property matters after family violence, so they can secure safe housing and financial stability.
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