While this might seem like the first step, often women have tried plenty of other things before they consider getting professional legal help. In our first episode of Rule of Thumb we hear stories from women, lawyers and counsellors who explain why it can be difficult for women to get the legal support they need, the practicalities of making that first call, and the key information you’re likely to find out early on. Importantly, we learn that even just a little legal advice can make a big difference… it can even make you walk differently.
NOTE: This podcast discusses family violence which may be triggering for some listeners. It also contains legal information which is not intended as legal advice.
Scroll down for useful contact details for individual legal advice and family violence support services.
Legal Advice:
Women's Legal Service Tasmania
A free statewide service - 1800 682 468
The telephone advice line is the first point of contact for all legal advice and assistance.
You can call the 1800 service from anywhere in Tasmania, and the call will not be displayed on your telephone bill. All calls are completely confidential. Visit www.womenslegaltas.org.au or call 1800 682 468
Legal Aid Tasmania
Everyone can receive free legal advice from Legal Aid Tasmania.
Visit www.legalaid.tas.gov.au or call the advice line on 1300 366 611
Launceston Community Legal Centre
This service provides free legal advice for people in the North East of Tasmania (63 phone region). The solicitors will be able to give you information on your legal issue and advise you as to what your next steps should be in relation to that issue
Visit www.lclc.net.au or Free Call: 1800 066 019
Hobart Community Legal Service
The Hobart Community Legal Service provides free legal information advice and referrals to people in southern Tasmania.
Visit www.hobartlegal.org.au to find the contact centre closest to you or call Head Office on 6223 2500
North West Community Legal Centre
A free one off advice and referral legal service to residents on the North West Coast of Tasmania.
Visit www.nwclc.org.au or call 6424 8720
Family Violence support services:
TASMANIA
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service
1800 608 122
9:00am to midnight Weekdays
4:00pm to midnight Weekends and Public Holidays.
Offers professional and specialised services to assist children, young people and adults affected by family violence.
Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) Southern Tasmania
1800 697 877
Provides 24/7 support, information and counselling in Southern Tasmania to males and females of all ages who been victim of recent rape or sexual assault or sexually abused at any time of their lives.
Family Violence Response & Referral Line
1800 633 937
Provides 24/7, including public holidays, information and referral service by which callers are able to access the full range of response, counselling, information and other support services provided by Safe at Home.
Engender Equality
Engender Equality (formerly SHE) is a statewide Tasmanian not-for-profit organisation that supports people affected by family violence. Engender Equality IS NOT a crisis service.
Hobart - (03) 6278 9090
Launceston - 0428 162 216
North West Tasmania - 0428 057 415
NATIONAL
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732
24 hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence...