Women's Legal Service Queensland

Women's Legal Service Queensland Free legal and social work help for women in Queensland on domestic violence and family law matters. We are unable to provide legal advice through social media.

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Women's Legal Service is a community legal centre providing free legal and welfare assistance to women in Queensland who experience domestic violence and complex family law matters. The aim of Women’s Legal Service Queensland’s page is to provide a forum for discussions on social and legal issues of concern to women in Queensland, especially concerning domestic violence and fa

mily law. We love genuine discussions about these topics but comments seeking to derail these conversations and those designed to upset, or inflame debate will be removed. Individuals who repeatedly post comments of this nature will be banned. Our focus is supporting women who need our help.

🚨 URGENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THIS SATURDAY 🚨We're looking for superstar event volunteers to help in the cloakroom at Label...
18/06/2026

🚨 URGENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THIS SATURDAY 🚨

We're looking for superstar event volunteers to help in the cloakroom at Labels on Tour this Saturday in support of Women's Legal Service Queensland.

📍 The Prop House Collective, 1135 Stanley St E, Coorparoo
🕖 7:00am – 2:00pm

If you can spare a few hours and would like to support a great cause, we'd love to hear from you!

📧 Email [email protected] to register or learn more.

"Why didn't they just leave?"It's one of the most common questions asked about domestic and family violence and one of t...
18/06/2026

"Why didn't they just leave?"

It's one of the most common questions asked about domestic and family violence and one of the most misunderstood.

In this ABC Life Matters radio interview, domestic violence researcher and counsellor Elizabeth McLindon discusses findings from research involving 815 women survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence.

One of the most striking findings? The earliest warning signs of abuse were often not physical violence. They were feeling isolated, controlled, monitored or cut off from support by an intimate partner.

The research also found that patterns of verbal, physical and sexual abuse often escalated over time, particularly following major life milestones such as moving in together or having a child.

The ABC News interview explores:
➡️ Why leaving an abusive relationship is often far more complex than people realise
➡️ The barriers victim-survivors face when trying to leave safely
➡️ The critical role family and friends can play in responding to disclosures of abuse
➡️ Why understanding the early signs of coercive control matters

If you've ever wondered why people stay, this conversation offers important insight into the realities of domestic and family violence.

Listen to this ABC Life Matters interview here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/leaving-domestic-violence-and-influencers-making-sick/106569728

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, support is available:
🚨In immediate danger? Call 000
📱DVConnect (24/7): 1800 811 811
📱1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
📱13YARN (24/7): 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

⚖️Free DFV legal help – WLSQ’s Statewide Helpline: 1800 957 957 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM)

, do you live in Emerald and need free legal advice?We are coming back to Emerald from 13 - 16 July 2026, and we’re here...
18/06/2026

, do you live in Emerald and need free legal advice?

We are coming back to Emerald from 13 - 16 July 2026, and we’re here to support you face-to-face.

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or unsafe, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

You can talk to us if:
➡️ You’re afraid of your partner or ex-partner and don’t know what to do.
➡️ You’re separating or going through a divorce and don’t know where to start.
➡️ You’re worried about your children and are involved in the child protection system.
➡️ You think you might be experiencing financial abuse.
➡️ You want to talk about parenting arrangements for your children.

We provide free legal advice in:
✅ Domestic and family violence
✅ Family law (parenting, separation, and property)
✅ Child safety

When are we offering free legal in-person appointments in Emerald?
Monday 13th: 12pm-5pm
Tuesday 14th: 12pm-5pm
Wednesday 15th: 12pm-5pm
Thursday 16th: 9am-5pm

📱How to book?
Call our Rural Regional Remote Priority Line: 1800 457 117 - 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

We recommend calling as soon as possible to secure an appointment.

Referrals welcome for both in-person and remote appointments. Referral form:https://wlsq.org.au/.../2025/08/Warm-Referral-Form.pdf

For service providers
🍵 Join our FREE Community Morning Tea for Service Providers.
Date: Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Location: THEHUB Boardroom - 12 Opal Street, Emerald
Register: https://events.humanitix.com/women-s-legal-service-qld-invites-you-to-join-us-for-morning-tea-in-emerald

Also join us for a free Service Providers Workshop: Protection Orders: Supporting Clients and Navigating Systems (Free)
Date: Wednesday, 15 July
Time: 9.30am – 12pm
Location: THEHUB Boardroom - 12 Opal Street, Emerald
Register: https://events.humanitix.com/protection-orders-supporting-clients-and-navigating-systems-emerald-workshop

Find out more about RRR here: https://wlsq.org.au/.../rural-regional-and-remote-rrr.../

Did you know our WLSQ website has a Quick Exit button?If you're visiting our WLSQ website and need to leave quickly, eve...
17/06/2026

Did you know our WLSQ website has a Quick Exit button?

If you're visiting our WLSQ website and need to leave quickly, every page includes a Quick Exit button. Simply click it (or press the Esc key) and our website will close and redirect to Google.

But here's something many people don't realise: The Quick Exit button does not delete your browsing history.

That means someone checking your device may still be able to see that you've visited our website.

It's also important to know that:
➡️ Clearing your browser history may not remove all traces of your activity.
➡️ If spyware or monitoring software has been installed on your device, someone may still be able to see websites you've visited.
➡️ In some situations, deleting large amounts of browsing history can alert someone who is monitoring your activity.

For women experiencing domestic and family violence, technology can sometimes be used as a tool of control, surveillance and intimidation. That's why understanding your digital safety is so important.

For more information on your digital safety, read our digital safety resource: https://wlsq.org.au/resource/digital-safety/

If you're concerned about your online safety, support is available:
🚨In immediate danger? Call 000
📱DVConnect (24/7): 1800 811 811
📱1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
📱13YARN (24/7): 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

⚖️Free DFV legal help – WLSQ’s Statewide Helpline: 1800 957 957 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM)

Developed as part of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022 – 32, the $4.1m Commonwealth-fund...
16/06/2026

Developed as part of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022 – 32, the $4.1m Commonwealth-funded HEAR training package will be available to police officers in all states and territories.

With a focus on coercive control, trauma-informed responses, technology-facilitated abuse and reducing misidentification, this investment recognises the critical role frontline responses play in keeping women and children safe.

Read more here from Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP: https://ministers.ag.gov.au/media-centre/world-leading-family-domestic-and-sexual-violence-law-enforcement-training-rolling-out-nationally-26-05-2026

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, support is available:
🚨In immediate danger? Call 000
📱DVConnect (24/7): 1800 811 811
📱1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
📱13YARN (24/7): 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

⚖️Free DFV legal help – WLSQ’s Statewide Helpline: 1800 957 957 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM)

"Slow femicide."New research by leading domestic violence expert Professor Heather Douglas from the The University of Me...
16/06/2026

"Slow femicide."

New research by leading domestic violence expert Professor Heather Douglas from the The University of Melbourne is calling for Australia to investigate su***des linked to domestic abuse and coercive control - and hold perpetrators accountable.

Some of the findings are confronting:
➡️ Australia records women killed by current or former partners, but women who die by su***de after years of abuse are often missing from official domestic violence statistics.
➡️ Research shows that when coroners investigate women's su***des, between 25% and 50% have a history of domestic and family violence.
➡️ Around 15 Australian women die by su***de every week.
➡️ In California, "Joanna's Law" requires police to thoroughly investigate su***des where there is a history of domestic violence.
➡️ In the UK, coercive control laws have led to abusive partners being charged after women died by su***de.
➡️ Experts warn that some domestic violence homicides are staged to look like su***des, meaning crucial evidence can be lost if investigations stop too soon.

Professor Heather Douglas from the University of Melbourne says Australia is falling behind other countries and needs stronger investigations, accountability for perpetrators, and better recognition of domestic violence-related su***des.

Violence doesn't only kill through physical assault. Coercive control, intimidation, isolation, financial abuse and psychological abuse can have fatal consequences too.

As she notes: "There should be some accountability to the perpetrator who carried out that violence."

Read the article from The Age here (paywalled): https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/slow-femicide-call-to-hold-abusive-partners-to-account-for-su***des-20260607-p604lx.html

Based on reporting in The Age and research published in the International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy: https://www.crimejusticejournal.com/

Need help? Support is available:
🚨In immediate danger? Call 000
📱 Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14
📱DVConnect (24/7): 1800 811 811
📱1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
📱13YARN (24/7): 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

⚖️Free DFV legal help – WLSQ’s Statewide Helpline: 1800 957 957 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM) find factsheets and resources on our website – www.wlsq.org.au

14/06/2026

Donate before 30 June and help answer a woman’s call for help.

“I wish I had called sooner.”

We hear these words often from women reaching out to our Statewide Helpline during some of the most frightening and uncertain moments of their lives.

For 10 years, Women’s Legal Service Queensland has answered more than 100,000 calls from women seeking safety, support and a way forward. This year alone, we answered nearly 1,000 more calls than last year, while calls to our Rural, Regional and Remote Helpline have surged by 140%.

Your donation today will help ensure every woman who reaches out is met by someone who listens, understands, and helps connect her with the support she needs.

Donate now: https://wlsq-tax-appeal-2026.raiselysite.com/

Every contribution, no matter the size, has the power to transform lives.

"It's so diabolical to think that a woman has to make a decision between homelessness and violence."This ABC News articl...
14/06/2026

"It's so diabolical to think that a woman has to make a decision between homelessness and violence."

This ABC News article features the story of Tracey*, who fled more than a decade of abuse only to find herself and her young daughter living in a car because safe housing was out of reach.

Her story highlights a growing crisis:

58% of women experiencing homelessness in Brisbane reported experiencing violence in the past year.

For 36%, violence in the home was the main reason for their homelessness.

Families experiencing homelessness spent an average of 1 year and 4 months without stable housing.

No woman should have to choose between safety and a roof over her head.

Read the ABC article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-27/qld-domestic-violence-housing-rental-affordability/106591974

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, help is available:
🚨In immediate danger? Call 000
📱DVConnect (24/7): 1800 811 811
📱1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
📱13YARN (24/7): 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

⚖️Free DFV legal help – WLSQ’s Statewide Helpline: 1800 957 957 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM)

Technology is part of everyday life……. but it can also be used to control and intimidate.Technology-facilitated abuse (T...
13/06/2026

Technology is part of everyday life……. but it can also be used to control and intimidate.

Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) isn’t always obvious. It can start subtly and often gets overlooked because it’s hidden behind “normal” tech use.

If something doesn’t feel right in your relationship, your instincts matter.

Ask yourself:
➡️Do they demand access to your passwords or control shared devices?
➡️Do they always seem to know where you are? Even when you haven’t told them?
➡️Do they manage the phone plan, internet accounts, or smart home devices?
➡️Do you worry your devices or online accounts are being monitored?

You deserve privacy. You deserve safety. You deserve control over your own digital life.

If you’re experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available.

Take a look at our Digital Safety section on our website for free resources and information: https://wlsq.org.au/resource/digital-safety/

If you need support:
🚨In immediate danger? Call 000
📱DVConnect (24/7): 1800 811 811
📱1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
📱13YARN (24/7): 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

⚖️Free DFV legal help – WLSQ’s Statewide Helpline: 1800 957 957 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM)

Did you know your dentist could be one of the first professionals to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence...
11/06/2026

Did you know your dentist could be one of the first professionals to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence?

Because injuries from abuse often affect the head, face and mouth, dentists are uniquely positioned to identify when someone may be experiencing violence.

A new guide developed by JCU: James Cook University, Australia, North Queensland Women's Legal Service and DFV specialists aims to give dentists the knowledge and confidence to respond safely and, in a trauma-informed way.

It's an important reminder that creating safety for victim-survivors is everyone's responsibility...and that support can come from unexpected places.

Read the full story here: https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/9256061/dentists-who-see-signs-of-dv-given-new-tools-to-respond/

You can find the full DV Training Guide here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/college-of-medicine-and-dentistry/study/dv-training

Need support?
🚨In immediate danger? Call 000
📱DVConnect (24/7): 1800 811 811
📱1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
📱13YARN (24/7): 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

⚖️Free DFV legal help – WLSQ’s Statewide Helpline: 1800 957 957 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM)

Address

Level 3, 349 Coronation Drive
Milton, QLD
4064

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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