Need Help?
Specialist legal service for women and gender diverse people.
We work for a future where everyone we support — and their children — are safe and treated with dignity and respect.
Our goal is to make sure people in Katherine and the Big Rivers Region can access free, professional legal help.
We prioritise support for those who face extra barriers because of factors like race, culture, language, remoteness, disability, poverty, age or sexuality.
Taking the first step can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Talking to us doesn’t mean you have to start a legal process — we’re here to give you information so you can make the choices that are right for you.
We can connect you with other services, help you explore your options, and work with you on safety planning for the future.
Legal issues we can help with
KWILS provides free legal help for women and gender diverse people, especially with legal issues that most affect everyday life. We’re here to listen, support you, and stand beside you as you move forward.
Domestic, family & sexual violence
Domestic, family and sexual violence is any kind of abuse, violence or controlling behaviour that happens in close relationships – like with a partner, family member or someone you trust.
Abuse can be physical (hitting, pushing), emotional (threats, humiliation), financial (controlling money), verbal (insults, yelling), cultural (using culture to control or harm) or sexual (any unwanted sexual activity, touching or pressure). Abuse isn’t always obvious, but it always matters.
At KWILS, we support women and gender diverse people who are experiencing or healing from this kind of violence. We help you understand your rights and explore your options.
We can also help if you are facing harassment, threats, or violence from someone in the community who isn’t a family member or partner, like a neighbour or work colleague.
Family law
Family law covers the legal side of relationships, like separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, child support and dividing property.
It's about making sure women, gender diverse people, and children are safe, supported and treated fairly when families change or break down.
KWILS can help you understand your rights, make informed choices, and guide you through the legal process.
Child in need of protection
‘Child in Need of Protection’ is a legal process that begins when the government’s child protection services believe a child may be at risk of harm, such as from violence, neglect or unsafe living conditions.
KWILS supports mothers and family members involved in Child in Need of Protection cases. We help you understand what’s happening, know your rights and navigate the court and child protection system with knowledge and voice.
Crime Victims Services Unit
Crime Victims Services Unit, or CVSU, is a government program that helps people affected by violent crimes like domestic violence, physical assault or sexual assault. They can provide support, financial help and compensation.
KWILS can help you apply for CVSU assistance and support you through the process.
Common questions
Who can use KWILS?
Women and gender diverse people in Katherine and the Big Rivers Region who need legal help, especially with family law or domestic violence.
What help does KWILS provide?
We offer legal advice and support for family law, domestic violence, child protection, and more. We also help with safety planning, appointments, referrals, and connecting with other services.
How do I get help?
Call us on 1800 620 108, fill out our contact form, or visit our office at Level 1, 16 Katherine Terrace, Katherine.
Is there a cost?
No.
All legal and support services are free.
Will my information be private?
Yes. Everything you tell us is private and confidential, except in very few cases required by law.
Who will help me at KWILS?
Lawyers and client support workers, including Aboriginal support staff, work together to make sure you feel safe and informed.
What kind of support can KWILS provide alongside legal help?
We can help with things like connecting you with your lawyer, attending appointments, safety planning, referrals to counselling or housing services, and linking you to other community support.
Can KWILS connect me to other services if I need extra help?
Yes. We can refer you to counselling, housing, financial support, and other community services.
What if KWILS can’t help me?
We will explain why and connect you to another legal or support service that can assist.
What happens when my legal matter finishes?
Support linked to your legal matter may continue for a short time. If you need ongoing help, we’ll connect you to other services.
How do I give feedback or make a complaint?
You can call, email or speak to a staff member. To learn more see Feedback and Complaints page. Your feedback helps us improve.
