Understanding the legal process S1 E2

Chances are you won’t have considered exactly HOW disputes are resolved through the legal system, well, unless you’ve had to. In our second episode of Rule of Thumb we hear women and lawyers talk about the different meetings, conversations, mediations, court dates and ‘jobs’ that need to happen in order to get an outcome. And importantly we get an understanding of all the other things that are happening in women’s lives while this is going on. You’ll hear why some people can find it a frustrating, unpredictable and lengthy process. As we hear these stories, we start to think about how the legal system is set up, and whether or not it has processes in place to provide appropriate and safe access to justice for everyone, particularly women who are in vulnerable situations.

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