For Her With Her

For Her, With Her is a podcast by Women’s Legal Service QLD, created to inform, support, and empower women navigating domestic and family violence, family law, and complex legal systems. Each episode features real conversations with legal experts, advocates, and women with lived experience—breaking down the law into clear, practical guidance. Whether you’re seeking support, working in the sector, or want to better understand the issues affecting women across Queensland, this series offers thoughtful, trauma-informed insight grounded in decades of frontline experience. Note: This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need personalised legal support, contact Women’s Legal Service Queensland or a qualified professional.

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Episodes

6 days ago

In this episode of For Her, With Her, we talk to Michelle Royes, Interim CEO of DVConnect, to explore the realities of separation and safety for women experiencing domestic and family violence. Michelle explains why separation is often the most dangerous time and why leaving isn’t always the safest option for everyone. We unpack why statements like 'why doesn’t she just leave?' can do more harm than good, and why we need to reframe conversations around supporting victim-survivors to make their safest next choice, in their own time. Michelle shares how services like DVConnect offer state-wide, trauma-informed support for women, children, men and pets (Pets in Crisis program), and why friends and family play a critical role in listening without judgement. We also discuss why stopping the cycle of abuse is the responsibility of the whole community, and why services like Men’s Line Australia are essential to creating safer futures for all.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit Women's Legal Service Queensland, DVConnect, or call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger. You are not alone.DISCLAIMER
This podcast contains information prepared by WLSQ and our guests. Information that was accurate at the time of the podcast and may become inaccurate at a later time without notice.The information provided in this podcast is not exhaustive, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should obtain legal advice for their specific circumstances.  The discussion/stories of domestic and family violence may be triggering for some members of the audience. Please be mindful. If you wish to seek further support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
 
Produced By The Podcast Boss

Wednesday Jun 18, 2025

In this episode of For Her, With Her, we’re joined by Buffy Kerekes and Ersi Scarman from The Zahra Foundation to shine a light on financial abuse. One of the most common yet least understood forms of domestic and family violence, Buffy and Ersi share common experiences they hear from the women they work with, exposing how financial abuse can trap survivors and continue long after a relationship ends. We discuss the systemic barriers victim-survivors face, the emotional toll of financial abuse, and how services like The Zahra Foundation’s free, trauma-informed financial counselling programs and Financial Empowerment Checklist can help women regain control and confidence. 
If you or someone you know needs support, visit Women's Legal Service Queensland or call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger. You are not alone.
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains information prepared by WLSQ and our guests. Information that was accurate at the time of the podcast and may become inaccurate at a later time without notice.
The information provided in this podcast is not exhaustive, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should obtain legal advice for their specific circumstances. 
The discussion/stories of domestic and family violence may be triggering for some members of the audience. Please be mindful. If you wish to seek further support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
 
Produced By The Podcast Boss

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025

In this episode of For Her, With Her, we are joined by Vanessa Burn, Head of the Migration Law Practice at Women's Legal Centre ACT, to explore how domestic and family violence intersects with Australia's migration system. Vanessa shares how women on temporary visas are particularly vulnerable to coercive control and manipulation, often fearing deportation or losing their children if they seek help. We unpack myths around migration, visas, and legal rights, including the misconception that you must be a citizen to access services like Women's Legal Service Queensland or Australia’s network of Community Legal Centres. Vanessa also explains the critical importance of early legal advice, the expansion of family violence provisions across more visa types, and the urgent need for system reform, including a dedicated family violence visa pathway.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit Women's Legal Service Queensland or call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger. You can also visit the Department of Home Affairs Family Violence and Migration for more information on your rights. You are not alone.DISCLAIMER 
This podcast contains information prepared by WLSQ and our guests. Information that was accurate at the time of the podcast and may become inaccurate at a later time without notice.The information provided in this podcast is not exhaustive, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should obtain legal advice for their specific circumstances.  The discussion/stories of domestic and family violence may be triggering for some members of the audience. Please be mindful. If you wish to seek further support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Produced By The Podcast Boss

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025

In this episode of For Her, With Her, we are joined by Penney Ferguson, CEO of the First Nations Women's Legal Service Queensland (FNWLSQ), to discuss the unique challenges First Nations women face when experiencing domestic and family violence. Penney shares her own story and the experiences of her community, highlighting how systemic discrimination, racism, and geographical isolation can create additional barriers to safety and justice. We also discuss why First Nations women’s voices and leadership must become a central focus and why listening without judgment is one of the most powerful things we can do to create safer futures for all women.If you or someone you know needs support, visit Women's Legal Service Queensland or call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger. You are not alone.DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains information prepared by WLSQ and our guests. Information that was accurate at the time of the podcast and may become inaccurate at a later time without notice.
The information provided in this podcast is not exhaustive, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should obtain legal advice for their specific circumstances. 
The discussion/stories of domestic and family violence may be triggering for some members of the audience. Please be mindful. If you wish to seek further support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Wednesday May 28, 2025

In this episode of For Her, With Her, we speak with Dr Freya McLachlan, research fellow at Griffith University’s ARC Centre for Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Drawing on her research on Intimate Partner Femicide, Dr McLachlan unpacks the issue of tech-facilitated abuse, explaining how technology like smartphones, social media, smart home devices and financial platforms, can be weaponised by perpetrators to stalk, harass, monitor and entrap. We discuss the unique challenges victim-survivors face in staying connected while staying safe, and why the onus needs to shift from survivors to tech developers and the broader community to create safer digital environments. Learn about crucial resources like the eSafety Commissioner, WESNET’s Safe Connections Program, and StopNCII.org for protecting against image-based abuse.If you or someone you know needs support, visit Women's Legal Service Queensland or call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger. You are not alone.DISCLAIMER 
This podcast contains information prepared by WLSQ and our guests. Information that was accurate at the time of the podcast and may become inaccurate at a later time without notice.
The information provided in this podcast is not exhaustive, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should obtain legal advice for their specific circumstances. 
The discussion/stories of domestic and family violence may be triggering for some members of the audience. Please be mindful. If you wish to seek further support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
produced by The Podcast Boss

Wednesday May 21, 2025

In this episode of For Her, With Her, we chat with Inspector Mel Dwyer from the Queensland Police Service to talk about how police and the legal system are responding to domestic and family violence. Inspector Dwyer shares her journey from young police officer to specialist in DFV prevention, and new initiatives like specialist DV units, safe spaces in police stations, and the upcoming changes to coercive control laws, making it a criminal offence as of 26 May 2025. We also talk about the importance of trauma-informed policing, the role of bystanders, and tools like the Be There App that can help victim-survivors and their supporters safely document abuse.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit Women's Legal Service Queensland or call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger. You are not alone.
 
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains information prepared by WLSQ and our guests. Information that was accurate at the time of the podcast and may become inaccurate at a later time without notice.
The information provided in this podcast is not exhaustive, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should obtain legal advice for their specific circumstances. 
The discussion/stories of domestic and family violence may be triggering for some members of the audience. Please be mindful. If you wish to seek further support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).Produced by The Podcast Boss

Wednesday May 14, 2025

In our first ever episode of For Her, With Her, we sit down with Vanessa Fowler OAM, Chair of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, to talk about recognising the early signs of domestic and family violence,  including the hidden patterns of coercive control. Vanessa shares her family’s story after the tragic loss of her sister Allison,  how they've turned their grief into a mission to drive change through education and community awareness. Learn about powerful resources like the Power and Control Wheels and the foundation’s campaigns like Toxic Love Signs and Strive to Be Kind Day, all designed to help young people build safer, more respectful relationships.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit Women's Legal Service Queensland or call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger. You are not alone.
This podcast contains information prepared by WLSQ and our guests.
Information that was accurate at the time of the podcast and may become inaccurate at a later time without notice.
The information provided in this podcast is not exhaustive, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  
Listeners should obtain legal advice for their specific circumstances.  
The discussion/stories of domestic and family violence may be triggering for some members of the audience. Please be mindful.  If you wish to seek further support, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

For Her, With Her - Trailer

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025

Welcome to For Her, With Her, a podcast by Women’s Legal Service Queensland.
 
This series is for women seeking clarity, support, and strength while navigating domestic and family violence, the legal system, and the path to safety and independence. Each episode brings together voices from the frontlines—solicitors, social workers, advocates, and women with lived experience—breaking down complex issues into clear, practical conversations.
 
In this trailer, you’ll hear what to expect from the series, who it’s for, and how we aim to support women and the communities around them.
 
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, visit wlsq.org.au or contact a trusted professional. You are not alone—help is available.
 
Produced by The Podcast Boss

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