The Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) documentary, For Her, With Her, created to commemorate its 40th anniversary, is now screening on SBS On Demand to mark Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
The 40-minute documentary, which premiered on 4 May, charts the course of WLSQ, from a small but courageous group of passionate lawyers and social workers banding together, to an organisation that has helped more than 150,000 women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
In October 1984, more than 40 women gathered in the front room of Women’s House in Brisbane, (many seated on the floor and spilling onto the veranda). They were united by a shared determination to break down barriers to justice. In that moment, WLSQ was formed.
Since then, WLSQ has provided free, specialist legal assistance while using the lived experiences of its clients to drive critical policy and law reform. Today, WLSQ operates across five offices, supported by more than 100 staff, over 140 volunteers, and a strong network of pro bono, community and corporate partners.
For Her, With Her brings these stories to life. It captures the voices, milestones and moments that have shaped its legacy, while highlighting the ongoing need for accessible legal support and systemic change.
WLSQ CEO Nadia Bromley said: “This story is a powerful example of what community can achieve and provides insight into both the change that has been achieved and the long road we still have to walk towards a safer future.
“We are so proud to see our story shared across the nation. There is much work left to do for her, with her.”
In the financial year 2024-25, WLSQ helped more than 15,000 women and provided over 44,000 services.
Documentary director Ash Dighton said: “This is such a powerful story, with such impressive women. As a filmmaker it was just a joy to listen and to learn from them.
“Having worked with WLSQ before, and being familiar with the incredible work they do, being asked to help document the origin of the organisation was an honour. Given the nature of the project, and the frequent sensitivity or graphic nature of the subject matter, it was important to bring a lot of stillness in beautifully composed frames that allowed the stories of the women to take centre stage.
“This was about their courage and decision making in the face of unacceptable conditions, not the conditions themself – although obviously it was important to establish those conditions early as context.
“I’d just like to reiterate how wonderful it was to be a very, very insignificant cog in this astonishing machine – one that has helped over 150,000 women across our state. The courage and intelligence of the women who have made WLSQ the organisation is quite astonishing. I hope my efforts to document and present that to the world do them the credit and justice they deserve.”
More than four decades on, the need for services like WLSQ remains vital.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 97,800 family and domestic violence offenders recorded in 2024–25 – an eight per cent increase and the highest rate since national reporting began.
In 2026, WLSQ also 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.
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