Please find information about common legal services below or search in our services directory to find a service provider close to your location.
Legal need for those experiencing FDV are many and varied. Support may be needed in several complex areas, including:
Types of legal support available from legal assistance services includes legal information, advice and representation.
Legal information is general information that may be provided to you to explain a certain area of the law. For example, you may ring a legal information line, or read information about family and domestic violence law on a website.
Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific matter.
Legal representation is when a lawyer performs legal work on your behalf, such as representing you at court.
Legal Aid WA is a government agency proving legal information and referrals (through their website and legal info line), legal advice and legal representation. Priority is often given to help people with the greatest needs. If Legal Aid cannot help with an individual’s specific problem, they will try to refer you to someone who can.
Community legal centres are independent non-profit organisations helping people experiencing disadvantage, who cannot afford to pay a private lawyer, or are ineligible for Legal Aid. There are generalist legal centres that are place-based and assist with a range of legal issues and there are also community legal centres that specialise in an area of law or particular cohort (such as young people, or women). Most CLCs assist with family and domestic violence matters. Legal services provided by CLCs can include legal information and advice, duty lawyer services, and community legal education. CLCs also will take on casework depending on capacity and may also be able to assist with representation. CLCs may also provide non-legal support or refer you to other appropriate services to assist you.
The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA Limited (ALSWA) is a not-for-profit organisation which provides legal representation and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Western Australia.
ALSWA plays a vital role within WA’s justice system, working in collaboration and partnership with communities and key government and non-government partners to rectify legal policies and practices that impact adversely and disproportionately on the legal and human rights of WA’s First Peoples
Aboriginal Legal Services strive to Close the Gap in Aboriginal peoples’ access to justice and empower our people to implement strategies for safer communities. ALSWA provides legal assistance in a range of areas including criminal law, family law and child protection matters.
Family Violence Prevention Legal Services have a strong commitment to educate the community about family and domestic violence and educate the community on their legal rights. These services focus on early intervention and preventative programs to help to stop problems before they occur.
Family Violence Prevention Services also offer free legal assistance in relation to family and domestic violence issues, such as criminal injuries compensation, family law, child protection and restraining orders. Aboriginal Family Legal Services strive to Close the Gap in Aboriginal peoples’ access to justice and empower Aboriginal people to implement strategies for safer communities.
Law Access is a not-for-profit organisation that coordinates the giving of pro bono (free) legal assistance by the Western Australian legal profession.
The service is targeted at not-for-profits and individuals in genuine need of legal assistance who satisfy a means and merits test. Law Access is generally the last resort for those who cannot get legal assistance from community legal centres or legal aid.
If you are able to afford it, finding a private lawyer may be an option for you. If you are unable to afford a private lawyer, a legal assistance service may be a better option for you as they offer free or low-cost legal assistance.
“A reasonable person given appropriate information regarding their rights, responsibilities and the pathway through the justice system is empowered to make informed decisions and take informed actions, reducing the likelihood of adverse consequences, trauma and tragedy.”
Family Violence Lawyers provide holistic services for victims of family violence. Services can provide legal and non-legal support and work in a collaborative manner to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence access other important services, including crisis accommodation, counselling and other support.
Please note many services offering Family Law services also include Family and Domestic Violence services.
In Western Australia’s regional area’s, a number of Legal Services can provide outreach services.
There are a number of court based family and domestic violence services in Metropolitan Perth.
This service provides information, advocacy and support to people who have experienced violence in their relationships. Staff can discuss specific violence issues and the options available to deal with them, develop a safety plan, apply for a violence restraining order, help complete court-related documents, apply for a violence restraining order, prepare for court and in-court support, provide information about court matters and help access services such as counselling, police, legal assistance, medical care and other relevant agencies.
If any information on this page is not up to date or you have any suggestions, please contact us.
The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians and first peoples of Australia. We recognise the impacts of colonisation and dispossession and the contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing is committed to working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men to end violence against their women and children in Western Australia.
The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing acknowledges the strength and resilience of adults, children and young people who have experienced family and domestic violence. We pay respects to those who did not survive and acknowledge the families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones to this preventable and widespread issue. We are committed to ensuring responses to family and domestic violence are informed by lived experience.
The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing recognises, welcomes and respects people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality. We are committed to greater inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people (LGBTIQ).
