Current events
For immediate release: Community Unites for Second Annual Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence in Durham Region
Durham, Ontario – September 4, 2025 – On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10 a.m., eight local violence against women organizations will host the Second Annual Community Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence. The walk starts at Durham Region Headquarters, 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby. This powerful event is brought to you by Bethesda House,…
Read moreLuke’s Place Contributes to New Publication on Family Violence and Family Law
We’re excited to announce the release of Understanding Family Violence in Family Court Proceedings: Providing Effective Responses for Victims, Children, and Perpetrators, a vital new resource published by the University of Toronto Press. This book addresses the growing recognition in Canadian legislation and case law that the family law legal system needs to do more…
Read moreInternational self-care day
July 24th marks International Self-Care Day, a time to recognize and reaffirm the importance of taking care of ourselves. As we shared during Mental Health Awareness Week, self-care can be an act of preservation, resistance and rest. For many survivors, the legal systems they must navigate are often complex and may not always support their…
Read moreA Strong Foundation, A Bold Future: 2024-25 Annual Impact Report
Celebrating 22 years of Leadership, Advocacy, and Transformation It is with deep gratitude that I reflect on this past fiscal year at Luke’s Place, my final year as Executive Director. This year, our team supported more women than ever before, helping them to navigate the complexities of the family law system with compassion, dignity, and…
Read moreUnderstanding Coercive Control: A Conversation with Pamela Cross
On a recent episode of CBC Radio’s Just Asking with Saroja Coelho, feminist lawyer and advocate Pamela Cross joined the conversation to talk about a form of abuse that’s all around us, but still largely invisible: coercive control. Pamela Cross brings decades of experience to this issue. She’s a member of Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death…
Read moreDisability Pride Month
July marks Disability Pride Month. A time to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and contributions of people with disabilities, while also confronting the systemic ableism that persists in our communities. At Luke’s Place, we recognize that disability justice is deeply intertwined with gender justice, especially for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The Intersection of Disability…
Read moreCKW Inquest Anniversary
This month marks three years since the conclusion of the inquest into the tragic femicides of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam. In the wake of this violence, the 2022 inquest resulted in 86 urgent recommendations aimed at preventing intimate partner violence (IPV) and femicide across Ontario. As we mark the third anniversary of…
Read moreBill C-2 Risks Undermining Canada’s Commitments to Gender-Based Violence Survivors
Led by the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Luke’s Place has joined other VAW organizations in raising urgent concerns about the implications of Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act. As a strong leader in advocating for the rights and safety of survivors of gender based violence, the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic has raised significant concerns about…
Read moreNational Indigenous History Month: Supporting Indigenous Survivors
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect on the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island. It’s also a moment to acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism and systemic violence that continue to affect Indigenous communities today. Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people face…
Read moreCelebrating Pride Month
June is 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender and sexually diverse individuals. While Pride is a celebration, it’s also a reminder of the ongoing struggles against discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Members…
Read more