Login
A-G highlights growing importance of DV legal services
Attorney-General of South Australia Vickie Chapman MP has flagged the invaluable service of Australian legal services specialising in domestic violence matters.
Emma Musgrave
Last week, the A-G gave special thanks to The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service, which is run by the Legal Services Commission, for its work in assisting more than 1,500 victims of domestic violence over the past two years.
"Navigating the justice system can be daunting for many, especially those who are vulnerable,” she said, in presenting the service with its award.
“This free and confidential service provides women in need with expert legal advice, which, in turn, empowers and protects them."
Director of the Legal Services Commission Gabrielle Canny echoed a similar sentiment, noting that services like this are life-changing for many vulnerable women.
“Abuse can come in many forms, with abusers increasingly using technology to harass their victims. This can involve threats, tracking devices, stalking and repeated calls or texts – sometimes hundreds in a day," Ms Canny said.
“The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service helps those women apply for intervention orders or deal with residential tenancy issues arising from abusive relationships."
Attorney-General Chapman and Ms Canny's comments come following a recent national summit on women's safety being held earlier this month.
During the summit, the Law Council of Australia expressed their concern over further reform being needed to protect victims of domestic violence.
“Lawyers working on all sides of family, criminal and other parts of the law in Australia have personally seen and been affected by the impact and aftermath of our national family, domestic and sexual violence crisis. The faces and stories of the women, men and children who have been subjected to violence will never leave us," said LCA president Dr Jacoba Brasch QC at the time.
“A priority for the Law Council as the national representative of the legal profession is to advocate for a justice system which provides protection to victims without fear or favour. Unfortunately, our current system has serious flaws.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
Email Emma on:
