Skip to Content
Partner stories /

Legal advocacy as prevention 

Justice and Equity Centre
The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) Women’s Service team. © Justice and Equity Centre

Many women caught in the legal system are there because of violence, homelessness and poverty.

The Justice and Equity Centre’s lawyers work with women whose lives have been destabilised by abuse, eviction and coercive control, helping them navigate complex systems and avoid further harm.

Sara’s story reflects how quickly things can escalate for women experiencing domestic violence. Throughout her five year relationship, she was subjected to violence and controlling behaviour. After separation, these concerns continued. When she sought legal advice regarding a property settlement, her former partner threatened to make a complaint to police, suggesting he had accessed her email. The next day, he lodged a report alleging she had assaulted him 18 months earlier.

When police questioned Sara, she disclosed her history as a victim of violence. A week later she was charged and arrested. Justice and Equity Centre lawyers took on her case, providing evidence that raised questions about the circumstances of the complaint. They also highlighted relevant guidance under the NSW Police Code of Practice for domestic violence incidents. On the day of her hearing, all charges were withdrawn.

Bronte’s experience shows how complex vulnerabilities can compound risk. A young Aboriginal woman living with complex posttraumatic stress disorder, she called police during an incident involving her violent ex-partner. Despite an existing Apprehended Domestic Violence Order protecting her, she was the one arrested and held for 24 hours. Her bail conditions led to homelessness, forcing her to stay in overcrowded accommodation with family. Her mental health declined, and her ex-partner continued to harass her.

Justice and Equity Centre lawyers are representing Bronte to challenge the charge, arguing she was misidentified as a domestic violence perpetrator despite being a victim-survivor. The Justice and Equity Centre’s community caseworker also connected her to mental health support, safe emergency housing and an Emergency Violence Payment. With ongoing help, Bronte is now safely housed in social housing.

Together, their experiences show how early, trauma informed legal support can help interrupt cycles of abuse, homelessness and misidentification that often lead to criminalisation.

Many women caught in the legal system are themselves survivors of violence and poverty. The Justice and Equity Centre provides dedicated, trauma-informed legal representation that helps divert women from custody and connect them with housing, health and social support. By addressing the root causes of criminalisation, the service is reducing reoffending and opening safer pathways back into the community.

Australia / Justice for women and girls

Legal support that changes lives and systems 

Legal support that changes lives and systems 

When Maya first contacted Anti-Slavery Australia, she was stranded overseas with her young child after being trafficked by her husband under the guise of a family visit. Her passport had been taken, her visa had been withdrawn without her consent, and »
How intensive, trauma informed support can change a woman’s trajectory 

How intensive, trauma informed support can change a woman’s trajectory 

Diane is a victim-survivor of domestic and family violence who was referred to the Miranda Project due to her involvement in the criminal legal system.  Diane is a victim-survivor of domestic and family violence who was referred to the Miranda Project »
Keeping Women Out of Prison is reaching a turning point in NSW

Keeping Women Out of Prison is reaching a turning point in NSW

The Keeping Women Out of Prison (KWOOP) Coalition is shifting the pathway for women who come into contact with the NSW criminal legal system.  What began as a volunteer led alliance has grown into a coordinated, statewide voice for justice reform »
The long road to protection 

The long road to protection 

In her home country, Jenna and her children were subjected to violence and abuse from her husband. The family moved to Australia almost a decade ago but the violence continued here. The family moved to Australia almost a decade ago, but »
A new national resource for frontline workers 

A new national resource for frontline workers 

Refugee women often carry the weight of trauma, fear and uncertainty when seeking help. The Safer Futures Toolkit, launched by RACS is helping frontline workers recognise that and respond with care. Co-designed with refugee women and developed with partners including the »
Why employment support matters for women leaving prison

Why employment support matters for women leaving prison

When Brittany joined the Success Works program, she was determined to start again. The stigma of a criminal record made the search seem impossible. Through the Breaking Barriers program, Brittany attended job readiness workshops and was matched with a volunteer mentor. »
Why stable housing shapes women’s chances of rebuilding their lives

Why stable housing shapes women’s chances of rebuilding their lives

Without stable housing, women leaving prison struggle to stay safe, rebuild routines and parent their children. With it, they can stabilise, avoid returning to crisis, and take the first practical steps toward independence. When Sara arrived at the From Now program, »

Contact us

If you would like to get in touch or have a question that isn’t addressed in our FAQs, please fill out the form below. 

    Back to top
    Skip to content