Young lawyers rush to Australia's domestic violence crisis as legal centers
Domestic violence cases consume 40 to 50 per cent of legal center work nationally, rising to 75 per cent in remote areas.
Community lawyer Biftu Reggasa Tulu is 26 and works in Geelong and surrounding regions. Biftu Reggasa Tulu says her job is challenging and sometimes overwhelming, but it fits with her values.
Legal centers across Australia say the system is at breaking point. One NSW solicitor said her team 'could be double the size and probably still not meet the legal need.'
Centers now handle not just legal matters. They also deal with housing, financial abuse, mental health and criminal justice issues.
Remote and rural areas face the worst shortages. Around 40 to 50 per cent of legal center work nationally is domestic violence cases.
This rises to 75 per cent in remote areas. The sector is pushing for a university debt forgiveness scheme to attract lawyers to regional centers.
- 75 per cent of legal center work
- Caseload in remote areas
- 26 years old
- Biftu Reggasa Tulu's age
- More than three times the size of Victoria
- CAWLS service area
- 2024 independent review of NLAP
- Review year
Why it mattersLegal aid for domestic violence survivors across Australia doesn't have enough resources. Victim-survivors in regional areas face especially long waits for help.
AustraliaAustralia's legal aid system is struggling to serve people escaping family violence, particularly in regional Australia where lawyers are hard to recruit and retain.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
