Refer a client for legal help
You can refer a client if they have experienced family or sexual violence and need legal help in Victoria.
You do not need to know their specific legal problem; refer your client for legal help and we will provide guidance about next steps.
You can only refer a client if they give you consent.
How we work with your client
We work alongside you to support your client safely.
Our lawyers:
- listen and provide clear legal advice
- support clients to understand their options
- prioritise safety in all legal work
If your client is not already receiving case management from another service, our social workers and financial counsellors can work with our lawyers to help ensure your client receives coordinated support.
Our services are free and confidential.
Safety and consent before referring
Supporting safe contact
If it is not safe for us to contact your client directly, let us know when you make the referral.
We can work with you to:
- identify safe times to contact
- agree on safe contact methods
- coordinate through a trusted person where needed
Seeking client consent
You must have your client’s informed consent before you refer them for legal help.
When seeking consent, you should:
- check if they want legal help
- get the information you need to make the referral (see below)
- check whether it is safe for us to contact the client by phone, email or voicemail
- ask if there are times or methods of contact that are unsafe
- explain that the service is free and confidential
Do not refer a client if doing so may increase risk to their safety.
If you are unsure whether referring a client is the right next step, you can book a secondary consult first.
Information you need to refer a client
You do not need to identify all their legal issues before referring - the referral process will help you work out if we can help and what the best next steps for your client are.
You will need to know:
- if and when your client needs to go to court
- if your client earns more than $1,100 a week
- if your client owns or part‑owns a home with more than $550,000 equity
- If you client has more than $5,000 in savings
- your organisation and contact details
- the safest way to contact your client
Women’s Legal supports women — including cis and trans women — and non‑binary people.
We will respect and affirm who your client is, and aim to ensure they feel safe, welcomed and supported when seeking help.
Next steps to get support
Refer a client
Refer your client to us for legal help. We will assess their situation and offer support if we’re able.
Request a secondary consultation
Get an appointment with one of our lawyers for guidance on supporting a client.
Support at court
If your client is attending court for a family violence intervention order, you need to ask the court for a duty lawyer. Find out more here: Family violence court hearings
After you refer a client
After you refer a client:
- we review the information you share
- we contact your client within 2 weeks
- we let you your client know the next steps
If we cannot contact your client, they may need to apply again when it is safe.
Most people receive a one-off appointment with a lawyer. This can be over the phone, by video call or in-person.
In limited circumstances, we will offer clients ongoing legal help. A lawyer will talk to your client about this in their appointment.
Free legal information
After family violence, decisions about safety, children, money and housing are shaped by the legal system.
Free legal information can help you understand your options and what to do next.