2024 Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship

Last year, Georgia Rowles became our inaugural Jacinta Dwyer Research Intern, researching the stress victim-survivors of family violence face when they’re forced to navigate multiple courts. For example, a woman might have to go to the Magistrates’ Court for intervention orders, and then the Family Court for parenting arrangements. 

Georgia’s report starts with a pressing question: what are the opportunities for, and barriers to, addressing the fragmentation of legal systems that hear matters involving family violence?

The result is a compelling look at the critical gaps in the justice system, alongside ideas for reform that could have real-world impact on women’s safety and access to justice – exactly what the internship was designed to achieve.

Our Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship was established last year in memory of Jacinta Dwyer, a compassionate lawyer, Magistrate and much-admired former staff member of Women’s Legal.