A new statewide campaign urging Tasmanians to take action on gendered violence has been launched.
Justice for Her, unveiled by Women’s Legal Service Tasmania, pairs public pledges with direct support for women and children experiencing family violence, ahead of a major fundraiser on May 15.
The launch comes amid confronting figures, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence since age 15 and police responding to more than 30 family violence incidents each day.
More than 3,000 children were exposed to family violence in 2023-24 alone and nine out of ten calls for crisis accommodation go unmet due to lack of space.
Sally Haynes, a board member of Women’s Legal Service Tasmania, said the initiative aims to turn community concern into visible action.
“Gendered violence is often hidden and so is the work required to address it,” she said.
“This is not a one-off fundraiser, it’s an ongoing commitment to change.”
The Justice for Her pledge asks individuals and organisations to commit to both financial contributions and practical workplace actions over 12 months.
Funds go directly to frontline services including emergency legal assistance and safety supports like locks and transport.
Women’s Legal Service Tasmania CEO Yvette Cehtel said the initiative reflects nearly three decades of supporting Tasmanian women.
“We know what works, and we know the gaps,” she said.
“Justice for Her allows us to respond immediately when a woman needs help.”
Carolyn Self, who has lived experience of domestic violence, said reaching out for help requires enormous courage.
“When you’re faced with wait lists or funding capacity issues, it sends the message that your experiences aren’t bad enough,” she said.
Self said specialist family violence counselling has a two-year wait list, while some children’s services stretch to three years.
Self is now a WLST board member and works for Tasmanian domestic violence service Engender Equality.
The campaign website is now live, taking pledges and dinner tickets at www.usticeforher.org.au.
