More than 20 years ago, as an undergraduate law student at the University of Wollongong, I participated in domestic violence advocacy training at Burwood, in Sydney’s inner west.  Some years later, while in private practice, I volunteered as a solicitor advocate for domestic violence victims at Sutherland Local Court. Both experiences opened my eyes to the tragic and long-lasting impact of family and domestic violence.

However, it was the death of Sydney solicitor Olga Edwards in December 2018 that had the most profound impact. Olga was 36 years old when she took her own life six months after her two children, Jennifer, 13, and Jack, 15, were murdered by their father and her ex-husband. I remember thinking that the deaths of Olga and her children could have been prevented and resolved to use my position as President to help change the story and prevent violence against women and children.  It is why I nominated a national domestic violence charity as the President’s Charity for 2019.

As well as making a commitment in 2019 to raising funds for Our Watch, I am proud that our profession is playing an ongoing role in advocating to change the story about domestic and family violence.  In addition to raising more than $14,000 to date for Our Watch, the Law Society is working with the charity to produce a video resource for Australian white collar and professional workplaces with particular relevance to the Australian legal culture.

And on 27 November, the Law Society is hosting our final fundraising event for Our Watch: a night of Just Music.  I invite members to register and join us for an entertaining night of music at 170 Phillip Street, help us celebrate the creativity of our profession and also raise some funds to help Our Watch continue their valuable work in changing the story about domestic and family violence.

If this message has raised issues for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or access their resources at lifeline.org.au. Family violence support and resources are available at 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 or ourwatch.org.au

Elizabeth Espinosa, Law Society President

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