New regional program offers legal support to Albany women escaping family violence

Legal Aid WA has launched a free legal service to help disadvantaged Albany women escape family and domestic violence.

As part of the Stronger Women program, Legal Aid WA lawyers travel to Albany every two weeks to help women access family violence restraining orders, child protection cases and dispute resolution.

The program is part of Legal Aid WA’s Vulnerable Women’s Project which aims to help women in need connect to referral agencies including refuges and hospitals.

LAWA head of family law Colleen Brown said dozens of women had already used the service.

“This is a very broad, overarching service that is designed to help vulnerable women where they are,” she said.

“Our lawyers go to Broome, Albany, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie every two weeks, on alternate weeks from the regional Family Court of WA circuit.

“This service offers comprehensive help across a range of different, complex legal issues connected with family violence, family law and child protection as well as triaging into other different legal services as needed.”

Ms Brown said the program was helping vulnerable women directly access professional support in their region.

“A lot of women won’t call a phone number, but if we’re actually there in person women are more likely to talk to us,” she said.

“Many of the women who come to us have multiple issues — legal, social and financial — on top of the family violence.

“We have an incredible team who are experienced and dedicated to helping vulnerable women receive the complex and vital legal support they need.”

Call Legal Aid WA Albany on 9892 9700.