Advocacy to make the systems people turn to for help safer, fairer and easier to navigate
We work to make laws and services better so victim-surviviors of family or sexual violence get help that's fast, fair and respectful.
A major step toward keeping families together
Victoria has changed the law to stop practices that broke up families in the child protection system.
For many years, these laws pushed families apart too quickly. After strong advocacy from Aboriginal organisations, Women’s Legal and others, parents will now have more time to get support and keep their children with them where it’s safe.
The changes also mean children can stay connected to their family, culture and community, and adoption can no longer be forced without a parent’s agreement.
This is an important step toward a fairer, more family‑centred system.
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.
Join us
Get updates on training, advocacy and how we can create a more gender‑equitable society together.
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.
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.
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.
Latest news
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.
Read more