Why a legal service for women?In addition to general legal problems which affect everyone, there are some areas of the law in which women’s experience is different. |
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These include: | |
| • their experiences as victims of crime – particularly sexual violence and criminal assault within the home | ||
| • the legal implications of their role as the primary carers of children | ||
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• their experience of discrimination or not having equal opportunities in employment and business | |
Women also face additional barriers in accessing justice. |
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These include: | |
| • cost – women are over-represented in low income brackets | ||
| • lack of information about the law and their rights | ||
| • difficulty addressing legal services due to child-care responsibilities | ||
| • feeling that their experiences are not recognised by a legal profession and judiciary that are male dominated | ||
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• feeling intimidated by going to court | |
There are also many women who are doubly disadvantaged in accessing justice, because of their language or cultural background, disability, sexuality, geographical isolation, Aboriginality, legal status and a range of other factors. Women’s Legal Service (Tasmania) is funded by the Federal Attorney-General’s Department. |
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