On International Women’s Day, Legal Aid Queensland is letting Queensland women know about the specialist services it offers to ensure women have equal access to justice.
Legal Aid Queensland CEO Anthony Reilly said the organisation provided many services for women including legal help and support for domestic and family violence problems, child protection, family law and child support issues, discrimination, consumer rip-offs and debt problems.
"Sadly we know the vast majority of people experiencing domestic violence are women and many are vulnerable and living in fear for their safety and the safety of their children," Mr Reilly said.
Women experiencing domestic violence can phone 1300 65 11 88, attend one of 14 offices across Queensland, or visit www.legalaid.qld.gov.au to get free information and publications about their legal rights and how to get legal help.
Mr Reilly said if women were appearing in court to protect themselves or their children from domestic violence, they don't have to do it alone.
"Legal Aid Queensland provides a domestic violence duty lawyer service at 15 Queensland courts, giving people access to the legal information and advice needed to get through that day in court," he said.
Legal Aid Queensland also provides a Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service, offering free and confidential assistance to all women who attend the Brisbane Magistrates Court for domestic and family violence matters.
The service helps women with safety planning, understanding the court process, completing domestic violence protection order applications, crisis counselling, emotional support in court and a range of other services.
Mr Reilly said the Counselling Notes Protect Service, run by Legal Aid Queensland in partnership with the Women’s Legal Service, is another important service for women.
“The service offers free legal advice, assistance and representation to help protect the counselling records of victims of sexual assault or alleged sexual assault from being used in court,” he said.
To access Legal Aid Queensland’s legal information and advice services call 1300 65 11 88 or visit www.legalaid.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Miranda Greer or Amanda Catania on 3917 0407
Last updated 8 March 2019