First Nations Women's Experiences of the Family Law System – report launch

Join us for the national launch of this groundbreaking research report

This webinar presents the findings of a national partnership study between Women's Legal Services Australia (WLSA) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), examining First Nations women's experiences of the family law system, particularly in the context of family violence. This study was guided by a First Nations Reference Group who provided advice on all elements of the project.

About This Report

First Nations women's experiences of the family law system have received limited academic attention. This collaborative research project addresses this critical gap by reflecting in research invaluable learnings from practitioners in Women’s Legal Services.

The research provides crucial insights obtained through:

• Focus groups and interviews with professionals working within Women's Legal Services who support First Nations women

• Anonymised case studies of First Nations women victim-survivors of family violence

The report examines the factors that shape First Nations women's interactions with the family law system, the barriers they face when engaging, and the impact of existing system responses such as the Indigenous List and Indigenous Family Liaison Officers on access and safety for First Nations women.

What You'll Learn

• Key findings from this national study across all Australian states

• Women’s Legal Services’ perspectives on First Nations women’s experiences with family court processes, and the family law system more broadly

• Barriers limiting cultural safety when engaging with the family law system

• 13 evidence-based recommendations to improve First Nations women's experiences

• Necessary steps to increase cultural competence across the sector

• The need for culturally safe and self-determined First Nations-led mediation options

Featured Speakers

Moderator: Professor Heather Douglas, CEVAW Deputy Director and co-author of the report.

Dr Samantha O'Donnell is a non-Indigenous Research Fellow at the Melbourne Law School, Affiliate of CEVAW and co-author of the report. Samantha completed her PhD in Criminology at the University of Melbourne in 2025. Samantha’s approach to research is informed by her experience as a lawyer, working across the community and government sectors. Samantha has published her research in leading criminological and legal academic journals and has also published in more accessible formats.

Stephanie Monck is a Kungarakan/Warramungu woman and a recognised Traditional Owner of the Finniss River and Wagait Land Trusts in the Northern Territory. She commenced as the Women’s Legal Service WA Principal Legal Officer in mid-2021. Prior to this, Stephanie was the Principal Legal Officer at Aboriginal Family Legal Services. She has also been Senior Lawyer at the Department for the Attorney-General and Justice Solicitor in the Northern Territory Litigation Division.

A First Nations Reference Group, with representatives from various Women's Legal Services, provided advice and guidance throughout this project.

This research is essential for anyone working in family law, family violence services, child protection, Indigenous services, policy development, or legal advocacy.