Tell us about your situation
We provide free legal help to women, including cis and trans women, and non-binary people experiencing family and sexual violence.
You can apply to talk with a lawyer.
You do not need to know what kind of legal help you need. You can still apply if you have a problem and are not sure if we can help.
Our legal help is free and confidential.
If you need help to apply, call us on 1800 133 302.
If you need an interpreter to contact us
You can tell us you want an interpreter when you apply for legal help online or when you call.
To contact us through an interpreter:
- call 131 450
- ask to speak to Women’s Legal Service Victoria on 1800 133 302
To contact us through the National Relay Service:
- log in to your National Relay Service account
- ask to contact Women's Legal Service on 1800 133 302
To contact us through the Voice Relay (Speak and Listen) service:
- call 1800 555 727
- ask to speak to Women's Legal Service Victoria on 1800 133 302
To contact us through TTY (Type and Listen):
- call 133 677
- ask to speak to Women's Legal Service Victoria on 1800 133 302
What applying means
When you apply for legal help, we will ask a few questions to understand your situation and see if we are able to help.
If we can help with your situation
We will:
- talk with you about what is happening
- help you understand your options
- let you know if we can provide legal help
If we are not the right service
If we are not the right service for your situation, we will try to connect you with another service that can help.
What happens after you apply for legal help
After you apply:
- we review the information you share
- we contact you within 2 weeks
- we let you know the next steps
If we cannot contact you, you may need to apply again when it is safe.
Staying safe when we contact you
If it is not safe for us to call or email you, you can tell us when you apply.
We can:
- contact you at a time that is safe
- use a different way to get in contact
- work with a trusted person if needed
All calls from Women's Legal come from a private number.
What happens during an appointment with a lawyer
We work with you so that you know your rights and legal options.
There is no pressure. You do not have to do anything until you are ready.
Our lawyers:
- listen carefully to understand what is happening
- explain your legal options in simple language
- answer your questions
- support you to make choices that feel right for you and your family
We can help you over the phone, by video call or in person. Sometimes we can represent you at court.
We also have social workers and financial counsellors to support you.
Most people we speak with receive a single appointment to talk through the situation and options. Sometimes, we will offer people ongoing legal help. Our lawyer will talk to you about this in their appointment.
Questions people often ask
No, applying for help does not affect court proceedings or your legal rights.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
If you have a court date soon or need urgent legal advice, call Victoria Legal Aid: 1300 792 387.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. If you are unsafe, prioritise your safety before applying for legal help. Click the button for a list of services:
You can tell us you want an interpreter when you apply for legal help online or when you call.
To contact us through an interpreter:
- Call 131 450
- Ask to speak to Women’s Legal Service Victoria
- Tell them our number 1800 133 302
If we can’t help you, we will try to refer you to
- Victoria Legal Aid
- Another community legal centre
- Court-based duty lawyer services
If you can afford a private lawyer, you can use the Find Your Lawyer Referral Search