Launching our Jacinta Dwyer Internship Report – and how you can help the next big policy thinker
25 February 2025
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.
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.
We want to continue giving a platform to the next generation of legal and policy thinkers – those who will challenge the status quo and propel policy change.
This internship gives students and early career professionals a unique opportunity to engage in real-world law reform work.
Interns can see the justice system from multiple perspectives, learn from our lawyers, social workers, and financial counsellors, and contribute to projects that drive systemic improvements.
Our 2025 intern will take on the next big question in family violence law and policy – but we need your support.
Support the future generation of family violence policy researchers and reform
Your donation to the Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship will directly invest in the future generation of family violence policy researchers and reform.
