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Award-winning lawyer raises DV awareness
The chief executive of Women’s Legal Service has used a recent award-win to speak out about the prevalence of domestic violence in Australia.
Emma Musgrave
Angela Lynch, CEO of Women’s Legal Service recently scooped up the Women’s Agenda National Emerging Leader in the Legal Sector for 2017 accolade, recognising the domestic violence prevention work she and her team are doing in an attempt to combat the high levels of domestic violence incidences in the country.
“I don’t see this award as personal recognition, but instead as an acknowledgement of the cumulative work of many dedicated women across our history – both staff and our volunteers.”
The award, Ms Lynch said, specifically acknowledged the development of Women’s Legal Service’s Penda app, which she noted is “Australia’s first financial empowerment app for women who have experienced domestic violence and financial abuse”.
“The award also recognised a social media campaign run earlier this year that helped to keep our Helpline open through a period of funding uncertainty,” Ms Lynch added.
“I see the award as recognition of the hard work of everyone at Women’s Legal Service who make our service a leader in the sector.”
Ms Lynch said it’s become more important than ever to shine a spotlight on the issue of domestic violence, encouraging other legal professionals to join in the efforts.
“The award has helped to raise awareness of domestic violence, and more crucially the importance of specialist legal assistance in ensuring the long-term safety for women and their children affected by violence,” she said.
“Appropriate legal support to help women understand their rights for children, property and their own safety can mean the difference between continuing to live in fear or reaching a safer future.
“This award highlights that legal advice is just as important as ensuring that women have a roof over their head and access to resources when leaving situations of domestic violence.”
Asked how she intends to use her award-win, Ms Lynch said, “To raise further awareness of domestic violence and the importance of specialist legal responses in this area.”
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.
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