Launch of Justice for Her – Media Release
Justice for Her launches to drive real, lasting change for Tasmanian women and children
A powerful new statewide initiative, Justice for Her, has officially launched, calling on individuals, businesses and community leaders to take meaningful, measurable action to address gendered violence in Tasmania.
Led by Women's Legal Service Tasmania (WLST), Justice for Her is designed to move beyond awareness and into sustained impact, combining a public pledge with tangible support for women and children experiencing family violence.
Today’s Justice for Her launch will begin building momentum toward the Dinner for Change on May 15, a major community event designed to amplify lived experience, raise critical funds and publicly activate pledges.
The need for action is urgent. In Tasmania, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. More than half of all assaults reported to Tasmania Police are family violence related, with officers responding to more than 30 incidents every day. In 2023–24 alone, more than 3,000 children were exposed to family violence, while nine out of ten calls for crisis accommodation went unmet due to lack of space.
Sally Haynes, a WLST board member, said Justice for Her is about turning community concern into visible, collective action.
“Gendered violence is often hidden, and so is the work required to address it,” Ms Haynes said.
“Justice for Her is about making that work visible, creating accountability and showing women and children across Tasmania that their community stands with them. This is not a one-off fundraiser; it’s an ongoing commitment to change.”
Through the Justice for Her pledge, individuals and organisations commit to both financial contributions and practical workplace and cultural actions over a 12-month period. Funds raised go directly to frontline services, including emergency legal assistance, safety supports such as locks and transport, and critical gap funding for women at risk.
Women’s Legal Service Tasmania CEO Yvette Cehtel said the initiative reflects nearly three decades of experience supporting Tasmanian women.
“Family violence remains the most significant safety issue for women and children in our state,” Ms Cehtel said.
“We know what works, and we know the gaps. Justice for Her allows us to respond immediately when a woman needs help, whether that’s legal representation, safe housing support or simply the ability to keep herself and her children safe for the night.
“Ending gendered violence within a generation is possible, but it will take all of us. This initiative invites every Tasmanian to be part of that change.”
Carolyn Self has very personal reasons for being involved.
“Women’s Legal Service Tasmania was there for me during some of the hardest times in my life,” Ms Self said.
“As someone with lived experience of domestic violence, I know how important it is for women to have access to legal support, safety and people who believe them. Justice for Her is about making sure women do not have to navigate these experiences alone. I’m proud to be co-hosting the Dinner for Change and helping shine a light on the realities so many women face behind closed doors.”
Ms Self is now a WLST board member and works for Tasmanian domestic violence service Engender Equality.
WLST supports more than 5,000 women each year through legal advice, casework and court representation, delivering services across Hobart, Launceston, the North-West and regional communities.
The Justice for Her launch marks the beginning of a year-round commitment to change.
The website is now live and taking pledges and tickets for Dinner for Change on May 15, are on sale.
Community members can get involved by making a pledge, attending the dinner, supporting the campaign or helping spread the message.
Justice for Her is about raising money for things that sit outside current funding models but are critical in delivering safety and justice for women.
Because for one woman, it could mean the locks are changed tonight. And for a child, it could mean sleeping safely this week.
ENDS
Download the press release here.