Areas of Law
Women’s Legal Service NSW (WLS NSW) provides legal advice and casework services to women who are disadvantaged by their cultural, social and economic circumstances and are seeking equitable access to legal services.
We prioritise services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women with disabilities, women who are victims of domestic violence and women who reside in geographic areas of high disadvantage and high legal need.
WLS NSW provides specialist legal services in the areas set out below.
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
Escaping domestic violence
Police or private applications for Apprehended Domestic Violence Order: protected persons and defendants
Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders hearings
Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders appeals to the District Court
FAMILY LAW
Where there is domestic or family violence or child abuse allegations
Women who are representing themselves in family law proceedings
Credit and debt related to relationship issues (“sexually transmitted debt”)
Where there are other issues relating to the human rights of women
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Sexual assault
Sexual assault communications privilege in criminal and Apprehended Violence Order proceedings
VICTIMS SUPPORT
Where there is domestic or family violence, sexual assault or other issues relating to the human rights of women
HUMAN RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE ISSUES
Where a woman’s human rights have been breached
Where a woman is significantly disadvantaged in accessing justice
CARE AND PROTECTION
General advice and referrals
Advocacy for Aboriginal women or women in prison
Parental Responsibility Contracts
Preliminary advice and negotiation about Parental Capacity Orders
Variations to contact orders
Post final order contact disputes
Any other questions about welfare, family, discrimination or domestic violence
DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Discrimination matters, particularly:
sex discrimination
sexual harassment
pregnancy discrimination
discrimination due to a carer’s responsibilities
Employment matters relating to:
discrimination of a woman in the above areas
where a woman has suffered disadvantage in the workplace because she is a woman.
