Impact stories

Our new website: clearer information, same free legal help

We’ve built a new website and brand to better reflect who we are and how we work. These make it easier for people to find clear information, access support, and connect with our training and advocacy.

National coercive control training now available and free to all Australian lawyers

A consortium of leading legal organisations has launched two free online training courses to help lawyers across Australia identify and respond to coercive control.

Helping renters experiencing violence stay safe: new training for frontline workers

New free training aims to keep more people experiencing family violence safely housed.

Victorian Budget confirms short‑term funding for Victims Legal Service

Victorian Budget confirms two years of funding for the Victims Legal Service, but short‑term support falls short as demand and costs continue to rise.

Meet Victoria's next generation of community lawyers

The Emerging Lawyers Program is building the next generation of community lawyers to improve access to family violence and family law support across Victoria.

Victims Legal Service is essential to victim-survivor recovery, fund it now

Funding for Victoria’s Victims Legal Service is running out, putting thousands of victim‑survivors at risk. Urgent action is needed.

Victoria repeals harmful laws that permanently separated families

The Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Stability) Bill 2025 is now in effect in Victoria. This landmark reform strengthens fairness and humanity in Victoria’s child protection system.

New family violence laws in Victoria mean stronger protections for victim-survivors

New Victorian family violence laws require police and courts to consider the full context before issuing safety notices, helping prevent misidentification and protect victim‑survivors.

Tina's story: reclaiming economic safety

With specialist financial counselling support, Tina was able to overturn an unfair loan and rebuild her financial safety after family violence.

Rita's story: from visa uncertainty to safety and stability

With specialist migration legal support from Women's Legal, Rita and her daughter were able to secure safety, stability and a future free from fear.

Preserving 40+ years of advocacy and impact

(2025) Women’s Legal Service Victoria has preserved more than 40 years of feminist legal advocacy through a new public archive, supported by a Victorian Government Local History Grant.

Women’s Legal Service Victoria stands with First Peoples on the journey to Treaty

Women’s Legal Service Victoria supports Victoria's First Peoples’ Assembly and Treaty process, standing with First Nations communities for justice, truth and self‑determination.

New project to improve access to family law property assistance for victim‑survivors

The Safe settlements: Family Law and Housing Justice project is improving access to family law property assistance for people experiencing family violence, helping them secure safe and stable housing after separation.

Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship applications open for 2025

The Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship is open for final year or honours students in law, social work, community development or financial counselling to develop their research skills.

Launching our Jacinta Dwyer Internship Report – and how you can help the next big policy thinker

We’ve launched our first-ever Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship Report – a must-read for anyone invested in reforming how courts respond to family violence.

Family Law Capacity Building Program trains lawyers across the state

Women's Legal Service Victoria celebrates over four decades of service

Women’s Legal Service Victoria celebrates more than 40 years of advancing gender equality, supporting women to access justice and live free from violence.

Margaret's story: finding safety and reconnecting with her son

Integrated legal, financial and social work support helped Margaret recover from family violence, stabilise her life and reunite with her son.

Access to simpler property settlements now available nationally — a Women’s Legal initiative

A Women’s Legal initiative designed to reduce harm, delay and unfair outcomes in family law property disputes is now available across the country.