Business Details
44 Years
experience
Free Legal Support for Women and Non-Binary People in Victoria
Women's Legal Service Victoria is a specialist, trauma-informed, state-wide organisation providing free legal services to women and non-binary people since 1982. Our work addresses legal issues arising from family violence, sexual violence, and relationship breakdown, guided by an intersectional feminist framework. We combine legal expertise with social work and financial counselling to support clients in achieving independence and financial stability. Our services include court representation, casework, and advocacy, prioritising those facing systemic barriers to justice. We operate with cultural safety and transparency, collaborating with community partners to influence law reform and systemic change.Our team of lawyers, social workers, and financial counsellors works to ensure clients understand their rights and navigate legal systems effectively. We advocate for gender equity and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, aligning our practices with reconciliation and self-determination. Our organisational theory of change focuses on transforming Victorias response to violence through early intervention and sustained support.
Services
Family law
Criminal law
Migration
Child protection
Victims of crime compensation
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have provided trauma-informed legal services since 1982.
- Our intersectional feminist framework addresses systemic barriers to justice.
- We offer integrated legal, social work, and financial counselling support.
- We prioritise cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
- Our advocacy drives law reform to improve outcomes for victim-survivors.
Services
Family law
We provide legal advice on parenting arrangements, property division, and divorce proceedings. Our trauma-informed approach ensures clients understand their rights while prioritising safety and stability for families affected by violence.
Child protection
We support families navigating Victorias Child Protection System, helping clients understand their rights and secure safe care arrangements for children while advocating for family preservation where possible.
Migration
We assist clients on temporary visas or without visas experiencing family violence, offering legal advice on visa options, residency rights, and pathways to secure status in Australia.
Criminal law
We represent clients charged with offences related to family violence, provide victim support in criminal trials, and ensure trauma-informed legal processes for those reporting crimes.
Victims of crime compensation
We guide clients through applications for financial compensation via Victorias Financial Assistance Scheme, ensuring they understand their rights and access support for injuries or losses due to crime.
People
Claudia Fatone
Chief Executive Officer
Claudia has over eight years as Fitzroy Legal Services CEO, leading strategic planning and mergers. She has extensive governance experience, including roles at Respect Victoria and Victoria Law Foundation.
Laura John
Chair
Laura is an Associate Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, with a decade of public law experience. She advocates for migrants rights and has served on multiple not-for-profit boards.
Tania Farha
Board Member
Tania is CEO of Safe and Equal, with executive roles in family violence policy at UN Women and Victoria Police. She specialises in systemic responses to gender-based violence.
Adrianne Walters
Board Member
Adrianne is Associate Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, focusing on family violence and environmental justice. She has worked with remote Aboriginal communities and volunteered at Womens Legal.
Cassandra Seery
Board Member
Cassandra is an Associate Professor at Deakin University, specialising in First Nations justice and childrens rights. She co-founded BeBold Consulting and has served on multiple advocacy panels.
Questions
What legal services do you offer?
We provide free legal advice, casework, and court representation for family violence, sexual violence, child protection, migration, and victims of crime compensation.
Who is eligible for your services?
Our services prioritise women and non-binary people experiencing family violence, sexual violence, or relationship breakdown, particularly those with low income or systemic barriers to justice.
How do I apply for legal help?
Complete our online form or contact us directly. We assess eligibility based on your circumstances and current capacity.
Do you offer support outside Melbourne?
Yes, we operate state-wide in Victoria, with duty lawyers at Melbourne Magistrates and Children’s Courts.
How does your intersectional feminist framework guide your work?
We address how gender intersects with race, disability, and socioeconomic status to tailor culturally safe, trauma-informed support for marginalised clients.
