5 March 2026 – This Sunday, as we mark International Women’s Day (IWD), Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) commemorates 10 years of its free Statewide Helpline, and the milestone of answering more than 100,000 calls from women across Queensland seeking safety and support.
Established in 2016 to increase access to free legal and support services statewide, the WLSQ Statewide Helpline has become a vital first point of contact for women experiencing domestic and family violence, financial abuse and complex family law issues.
In the past financial year alone, the Helpline answered 15,708 calls. That’s an average of 63 Queensland women reaching out every working day.
January 2026 was one of the busiest months on record, with an average of 730 calls every week – the highest weekly volume seen in a considerable period.
These figures underscore both the critical role of the Helpline and the growing demand for its services.
Nadia Bromley, CEO of Women’s Legal Service Queensland, said: “One hundred thousand calls answered represents 100,000 moments where a woman reached out for help and someone was there to listen. Our Helpline provides hope at what is often the most frightening time in a woman’s life.”
“As we mark International Women’s Day, we recognise the strength of Queensland women, but we also acknowledge that the demand for our services continues to grow. With the community’s support, we can ensure more women receive the help they need, when they need it most.”
The WLSQ Statewide Helpline is made possible by the generosity of funders, supporters and donors who believe every woman deserves access to free, specialist legal help.
Call the WLSQ Statewide Helpline:
The 2026 United Nations IWD theme, “Balance the Scales,” is a promise that every woman and girl (regardless of background or identity), should be safe and free to shape her own life.
This IWD, WLSQ is reaffirming our commitment to creating a society where every woman can live free from violence. We see every day what happens when the scales are tipped against women.
For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Eva Pitarides | media@wlsq.org.au | 0403 142 465
Do you have questions about WLSQ? Look at the full list of frequently asked questions on our FAQs page.
Find a range of useful fact sheets and videos with tips and key information to read or share with others.
WLSQ acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, particularly the Turrbul, Yuggera, Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Ugarapul peoples and the Yugambeh Language Region on whose lands our offices sit. We recognise their continuing connection to this Country, its waters, and culture. We acknowledge that their sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present, and we especially honour First Nations women and the traditions they carry.
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