NTWLS Advocacy Series | 37% Increase in Female Prisoners

CAWLS was born out of necessity. In the early 1990s a group of dedicated women legal practitioners began providing free legal advice to women in need. Mostly these women were victims of domestic violence who had no other access to legal advice. Over time, it became obvious that women in Central Australia required a full time legal service. A submission to the federal government ultimately resulted in the creation of CAWLS.

Our vision is to enable, educate and empower women to better engage in the legal system so their rights are considered and respected.

We want to create a bright and safe future for all women and children; helping them live with dignity and respect, free from all forms of violence and abuse. CAWLS seeks to ensure that every client’s experience is validated and that they are empowered to utilise the legal and social welfare system to their benefit. By assisting every woman to the best of our ability, we are assisting the community to achieve social justice health.