Frequently asked questions

Where can I get free legal advice?

Rights of Women run a free General Legal Advice Line. We can provide free legal advice by women for women on 020 7251 6577. The line is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and also Friday 12-2pm. We can also signpost you to other advice organisations or local solicitors.

Rights of Women also run a Sexual Violence Legal Advice Line, giving legal advice for women by women. The line is open on Monday from 11am-1pm and on Tuesday from 10am-12pm. The phone number is 020 7251 8887.

There is also a list of other useful organisations on our links page.

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Can you represent me in Court?

We can’t represent you in Court, but we can provide free legal advice and signposting to solicitors in your area.

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Can I come and see you?

We don’t see people in person and we don’t take casework. Advice is given by telephone only.

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Will you take my case on?

We don’t do casework, but you can call us for free legal advice.

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Can you recommend a solicitor?

We can’t recommend or refer you to a solicitor, but we can provide you with names and contact details of solicitors near you who deal with the area of law you may need help with.

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Will my call to the advice lines be confidential?

All calls to the advice lines are confidential. You will speak to a trained woman lawyer.

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Can you provide advice in languages other than English?

We can only provide legal advice in English on ourlegal advice telephone helplines.

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Do you have a textphone on the advice lines?

Yes - the number is 020 7490 2562.

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Do I have to be a member to get free legal advice?

No, all women can phone our legal advice line.

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Do you provide legal advice in person, by post or by email?

No, we can only provide advice on our legal advice telephone helplines.

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The line is busy when I call. What should I do?

Our helplines are often very busy and you may have trouble getting through. Often if you call back later in the session or during an evening session, you are more likely to be connected.

We apologise for any difficulty this causes – we answer as many calls as we can but there are many women who need our help.

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Who can call the advice lines?

The advice lines are for women who need legal advice. We don’t provide a counselling service, but we may be able to signpost you to an organisation that can help you.

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What if I’m not happy with the service you’ve provided?

We have a complaints procedure. Call the office on 020 7251 6575 to receive full details.

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