Centre for Women’s Justice
The Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) is a feminist legal charity in England and Wales committed to holding the state accountable when it fails to protect women and girls from violence. Founded to bridge the gap between women’s experiences and the justice system, CWJ works at the intersection of law, policy, and activism — combining strategic litigation, expert advice, and public campaigning to push for systemic change.
What They Do
1. Strategic Litigation
CWJ takes on legal cases that challenge discriminatory practices and policies within the justice system. These are not isolated cases — they are chosen for their potential to set precedents, expose systemic failings, and improve outcomes for survivors across the country.
2. Legal Advice & Support
Through their Legal Inquiries Service, CWJ provides specialist guidance to frontline workers supporting victims of violence. In certain cases, they also offer direct advice to survivors. Their Get Help page is a vital resource — a gateway to tailored signposting for individuals and professionals seeking the right legal support.
3. Raising Awareness
CWJ uses reports, campaigns, and media engagement to spotlight key cases and systemic trends — ensuring that the failings and challenges women face in the justice system are not hidden, but part of a national conversation.
4. Collaboration
By connecting lawyers, academics, and frontline services, CWJ builds the networks needed to take on complex legal challenges and push for systemic change.
5. Monitoring & Policy Advocacy
CWJ closely tracks how laws and policies are applied, and challenges those that fail to protect women and girls. They contribute to government consultations, prepare legal briefings, and partner with other organisations to strengthen women’s rights in law and practice.
Signposting to Legal Support
While CWJ cannot provide direct legal advice to everyone, their Get Help tool signposts individuals and professionals to specialist services covering a wide range of legal issues. These include:
Family Law – e.g. non-molestation orders, children’s cases, and safeguarding.
Issues with Police, CPS, and Criminal Courts – concerns about investigations, prosecutions, or court processes.
Civil Claims Against Perpetrators – routes to seeking damages directly from abusers.
Civil Claims Against Organisations – such as local authorities or other public bodies.
Criminal Law – advice for those accused, convicted, or seeking an appeal.
Investigations & Inquests – support after a death linked to state failings.
Criminal Injuries Compensation – how to apply and appeal decisions.
Prison Law – rights and safety of women in custody.
Employment Law – workplace rights and discrimination.
Education Law – safeguarding and equal treatment in schools or higher education.
Defamation & Privacy Law – including libel and misuse of personal information.
Immigration Law – advice where immigration status intersects with abuse or exploitation.
Housing Law – support for those at risk of losing their home due to violence.
Mental Health Law – rights of those accessing mental health services.
Community Care Law – duties of social services to support vulnerable individuals.
Disability Rights & Carers – protections for disabled women and carers.
Welfare Benefits & Debt – navigating financial support systems.
Commercial Law – business-related legal issues.
Each category links to trusted legal experts or services equipped to help. The aim is simple: ensure no survivor or supporter is left without a clear pathway to the right kind of legal help.
Why This Matters
For survivors of violence — and those working to support them — the legal system can be overwhelming. It’s often unclear where to start, who to contact, or what rights and remedies are available. The CWJ Get Help tool cuts through this confusion, offering a clear route to the right legal expertise for the situation at hand.
Combined with their strategic litigation and policy work, this signposting resource helps bridge the gap between need and access — making sure survivors and their advocates can act quickly, confidently, and with the right advice behind them.
