Every day, women contact the Women’s Legal Centre, some in distress, some at immediate risk of harm, and many in urgent need of specialist legal support relating to domestic and family violence and sexual violence. 
  
As reporting rates of gender-based violence rise, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis and other factors, demand for our services is continuing to increase. 
  
Requests for assistance have grown by almost 50 per cent in the last three years. 
  
That’s why we urgently need funds to ensure women affected by gender-based violence can access the specialist legal services they need. 
  
Without legal assistance, women may choose to leave with nothing, agree to manifestly unsafe and unfair arrangements for care and property, or in many circumstances won’t leave at all. 
  
The Women's Legal Centre ACT provides them with specialist legal advice and representation for a range of issues, including domestic and family violence, family law, employment and discrimination, sexual violence and migration matters. 
  
We are also leaders in delivering trauma-informed, wraparound legal services with social work support for clients who need them.  
  
The Prime Minister has declared domestic violence “a national crisis” and, here in the ACT, our Centre is contending with surging demand – the highest in our organisation’s 30-year history. 
  
That’s why, for the fourth year, we're partnering with Canberra law firm Parker Coles Curtis for our annual end-of-financial-year fundraising appeal. Thanks to their immense generosity, Parker Coles Curtis will be matching donations made by you until 1 July to a total of $10,000.  
  
There is no doubt your donations have meaning, as feedback from women we’ve supported has shown: 
  
~  “Thank you everyone at the Women’s Legal Centre. You guys are amazing. [You] actually give women like myself a chance at a better life.” 
  
~  “With their help my whole future has changed.” 
  
~  “[T]hey saved my life and gave me peace of mind, tranquillity and security.” 
  
~  “Women’s Legal Centre have been so supportive. Being able to connect with them initially through the family centre meant I could see them without suspicion from my abusive ex partner. They stayed connected with me and were happy to work at my pace and understanding of the complexities because of the domestic violence. They were creative with some of the ways we did things which I really appreciated. I’m grateful for the support and for being able to access legal advice and support that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. My kids and I are lucky to have been connected with you. Thank you.” 
  
So please support our work today and double your impact with the help of Parker Coles Curtis. 
  
Your generosity will allow us to provide the legal support Canberra women need to be safe from violence, injustice and discrimination. 
  
Thank you.