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Law firms unite to address financial abuse in domestic violence
Two BigLaw firms and financial sector partners are working with Redfern Legal Centre to address financial abuse in intimate partner relationships in NSW.
Naomi Neilson
The Financial Abuse Service NSW was established by Refern Legal Centre (RLC) to respond to high levels of legal needs identified through its credit and debt and domestic violence practices.
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American Express, PwC Australia, Ashurst and King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) are providing support for the legal service arm of the service, with Ecstra Foundation are supporting the statewide law reform, advocacy and capacity development work. The service is also supported by Commonwealth Government funding administered by Legal Aid NSW under the Community Legal Services Program.
Community and pro bono head at KWM Dan Creasey said, “The strategic vision for KWM is to reduce inequality and to reduce poverty – particularly amongst children and young people. There is obviously a very strong connection between financial abuse, domestic violence and poverty, so we’re really interested to be involved.”
KWM will provide legal support for the service, co-ordinated with the firm’s Community Impact Group. Additional support will be provided by other corporate partners to assist with free legal support, guiding government and providing industry responses.
CEO of RLC Joanna Shulman said, “We are extremely excited to be partnering with such forward thinking and innovative corporations and government to be delivering this lifesaving service.”
Correction: A previous edit of this article misrepresented the role Redfern Legal Centre played in this partnership. RLC is a leader in the creation of the Financial Abuse Service NSW, with support from American Express, PwC Australia, Ashurst and King & Wood Mallesons, Ecstra Foundation and Commonwealth Government funding through Legal Aid.
