WLS provides free legal and welfare help to Queensland women and their children who are affected by domestic violence and complex family law matters. Each year more than 3,200 women receive vital help from the Service through phone advice, evening advice sessions, face to face appointments or outreach assistance.
90% of the women assisted by WLS are affected by domestic violence. 40% of clients live in rural and remote Queensland and the majority are on little or no income. The help provided by the small staff team and 100 volunteers of WLS assists in creating safer futures for women and their children.
WLS is grateful for the assistance provided by the Zonta Club of Brisbane Breakfast. The support from the ZCBB provides emergency assistance to women who experience domestic violence. A growing proportion of women who access WLS are in crisis and cannot afford food and necessities, often due to the significant costs involved in relocation and lodging court documents (when they are already experiencing significant stress).
The ability for WLS social workers and solicitors to be able to offer one-off food vouchers relieves immediate financial pressure and assists women to make it to the next step in seeking a life of safety and successful separation. The kind assistance of the ZCBB also provides for women to receive assistance with court filing fees and administrative costs involved in their matters. These costs can represent a significant barrier to women when seeking to finalise their matters for themselves and their children.
The Zonta Club of Brisbane Breakfast is making a significant difference to the lives of women and children in the Queensland community through the provision of practical, front line help.
