Posts by Luke's Place
Case Summary: The use of Amicus Curiae in Family Law
Written by Pamela Cross, LLB, LLD This case summary is a bit different from most that we post here, because it is about an important procedural matter rather than about the legal issues between the two parties to the case. As you all know from your work, the number of people engaged in family court proceedings who do…
Read moreVictim and Survivors of Crime Week: Supporting Survivors Beyond the Crisis
Each May, Canada marks Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, a time to recognize the women subjected to intimate partner violence and the ongoing impacts of crime. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the systems those women must navigate, and the gaps that continue to put their safety at risk. For many women who have…
Read moreNew Worker Training: Strengthening Family Court Support Workers Across Ontario
Since 2011, Luke’s Place has led training for Ontario’s FCSWs, funded originally by the Ministry of the Attorney General and now by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. FCSWs play a critical role in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) as they navigate the family court system. In March, we hosted a…
Read moreCase Summary: Breakdown of Shared Parenting Plans
Written by Pamela Cross, LLB, LLD This was a long and bitterly fought case, that played out over five years of a young child’s life. In 2019, Justice Eberhard made a consent order that the parents would share the care of their child on a week-about schedule and make decisions relating to the child jointly. This…
Read moreNational Volunteer Week 2026: Ignite Volunteerism
National Volunteer week, taking place April 19-25, is a time to recognize and celebrate the people who strengthen our communities through their time, skills, and compassion. This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism” highlights the power of individual and collective action, and the ways volunteers spark meaningful change in the communities around them. At Luke’s Place, we see…
Read moreAfter She Leaves Tour: Reflecting on Training Across Ontario
Between 2024 and 2026, Luke’s Place traveled to communities across Ontario to deliver our flagship training program, After She Leaves. This two-day training supports frontline workers who assist survivors of intimate partner violence navigating the family law system. Over the past two years, we have delivered training to 231 frontline workers across Guelph, Parry Sound, Toronto, Kingston, London, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and Brampton, connecting with frontline workers from across…
Read moreSurvivors of Intimate Partner Violence and the Ontario Family Law System
Understanding how survivors experience the family law system is essential to improving access to safety and justice. Over the past three years, Luke’s Place has partnered with Dr. Mavis Morton from the University of Guelph to conduct a province-wide research project exploring the family law experiences of women and gender-diverse survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with…
Read moreBuilding capacity to address gender-based violence
We are excited to announce the launch of a new resource called: Hosting Gender-Based Violence Trainings: A Train the Trainer Guide. Ending gender-based violence requires more than awareness. It requires knowledge, confidence, and the ability to support survivors in a safe and informed way. Across communities, many organizations want to host conversations, workshops, and training about gender-based violence but are…
Read moreStrengthening Legal Responses to Intimate Partner Violence: New Emergency Motions Module Added to Effective Lawyering Course
Lawyers representing survivors of intimate partner violence often face situations where time is critical. When safety is at risk, waiting weeks or months for a regular court date is simply not an option. That’s why Luke’s Place has added a new module on emergency motions to our Effective lawyering with clients leaving abusive relationships course. Emergency motions are one of…
Read moreLimited Scope Legal Services WAGE Promising Practices
Access to justice remains one of the most significant challenges facing women leaving abusive partners. Survivors navigating the family court system without legal representation often face overwhelming barriers, from safety risks to complex procedures that are difficult to manage alone. Recognizing these challenges, organizations across Canada have been exploring new approaches to legal support that are more responsive to…
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