Every day, people contact the Women's Legal Centre ACT in moments of crisis: afraid, exhausted, and uncertain about their future. Some are escaping violence. Some are fighting for fair outcomes for their children. Some have finally found the courage to name what is happening to them at work.

In FY 2024-25, direct requests for our help grew by more than 38 per cent in a single year. Our Intake and Advice Line received 3,490 calls, and in the final quarter, handled the highest volume of calls since records began. Requests through our website nearly doubled.

Behind those numbers are 1,709 women and 2,209 children whose lives were changed because they could access specialist legal support. Of all the new clients we saw, 81 per cent were at risk of or experiencing domestic and family violence. Every single ongoing matter in our Family Law Practice involved domestic and family violence.

Without legal assistance, people affected by violence may leave with nothing, agree to unsafe arrangements for themselves and their children, or not leave at all.

The Women's Legal Centre ACT can provide free specialist legal advice to women, trans and gender-diverse people in the ACT and surrounding region. Our trauma-informed, wraparound approach means clients do not just receive legal help: they are supported by people who understand the full weight of what they are going through.

For the fifth year, we are proud to partner with Canberra law firm Parker Coles Curtis for our annual end-of-financial-year fundraising appeal. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, Parker Coles Curtis will match every dollar you donate until 14 July 2026, up to a total of $10,000.

Your donation is doubled. Your impact is real. Here, in the words of the people we have supported, is what that means:

"The Women's Legal Centre helped me overcome being afraid to speak up about how I was treated at work. I had the courage to make a case and get the help needed. I am more confident and aware when bullying and harassment are happening in the workplace. I now have the courage to tell myself this isn't acceptable."
Employment law client

"I finally feel secure and independent and no one can use my temporary status to control or blackmail me anymore. It gave me peace of mind, emotional strength, and the freedom to focus on my future without fear."
Migration client

"I did not simply regain my confidence, but I also regained my faith in humanity."
Family law client

"Dramatic improvement in the quality of life for myself and my daughter. They were absolutely incredible and supportive. Could not be happier with the outcome, and our futures are brighter because of them."
Domestic violence client

Please support our work today. With the generosity of Parker Coles Curtis doubling your gift, every dollar you give goes twice as far towards helping people in our community access the justice they deserve.

Your generosity will allow us to keep providing the legal support people need to be safe from violence, injustice and discrimination.

Thank you.