Our areas of legal practice
- Family Law – parenting related issues, some divorce and property matters
- Protection and Care – matters involving the Department of Communities
- Criminal Injuries Compensation – where it relates to family or sexual violence
- Family Violence Restraining Orders – identifying and responding to orders, or making referrals
We know that women experiencing or who have experienced family violence commonly have issues with at least one of these other areas of law.
Where we cannot help we will link to another service(s) who might be able to. WLSWA collaborates with many non-legal community services around WA to deliver wrap-around supports.
How we help
Our socio-legal assistance to women includes:
- Legal information and advice
- Completing tasks such as document drafting
- Phone, video and face-to-face appointments
- Ongoing casework and representation wherever possible
- Social work support
- Financial counselling
The preferred approach is end-to-end, where assistance is provider by one practitioner until the matter is resolved.
WLSWA aims to empower women to make informed legal choices and participate fully in legal processes that greatly impact them and their children.
Our Client Services Officers can also provide general legal information (not legal advice) or direct people to where they can find such information.
Where we help
WLSWA provides legal assistance and support to women state-wide through in-person and online appointments, and a regular travel cycle to the regions.
Financial Counselling
Our financial counselling service helps women who have experienced family violence to improve their financial wellbeing and supports them to recover from their specific financial problems.
Community Legal Education
We provide community legal education to better educate the community and the community services sector about the most common legal issues affecting women.
Law and Policy Reform
An important part of our role is working towards a systemic improvement in access to justice for women in WA. We ensure women’s voices are heard by engaging in Government reviews, making policy and law reform submissions, and in working in collaboration with like-minded networks and organisations
Resources
We have developed a number of resources that provide information on socio-legal issues so people can better understand the processes and options available to them.
Sexual Assault Legal Service WA
Women’s Legal Service WA, Aboriginal Family Legal Service, and Ruah Legal Services have partnered to deliver the Sexual Assault Legal Service WA, state-wide legal services for victims and survivors of sexual violence in Western Australia. Each partner will specialise in the provision of services to particular target groups, whilst allowing victim and survivor choice.
They provide free, confidential and independent legal advice to people who have experienced sexual violence in Western Australia. There will be ‘no wrong door’ for people who engage with the service, and all partners are committed to championing victim and survivor autonomy and voice.
Working Women’s Centre WA
Women’s Legal Service WA has partnered with Circle Green Community Legal to provide the Working Women’s Centre WA. The Centre provides free, confidential, and independent legal advice and psychosocial support on issues relating to work. This includes workplace entitlements and rights, gender issues, cultural diversity, discrimination, and sexual harassment.
The centre will work as an integrated practice, where social workers and lawyers work together to address both psychosocial and legal needs with equal care and expertise.