Current events
Chatelaine article: Why divorce cases involving allegations of abuse still confound family courts
Journalist Flannery Dean recently interviewed Luke’s Place Legal Director, Pamela Cross, and other experts for the article Why Divorce Cases Involving Allegations of Abuse Still Confound Family Courts available online and in the January 2021 issue of Chatelaine magazine. The article centres on the tragic outcomes of two mothers who fled domestic violence and highlights common…
Read moreBill 207: An important step forward for women fleeing abuse
There is much that is good in Bill 207, the Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, for women leaving abusive relationships.
Read moreToronto Star article: ‘We haven’t come very far’ – YWCA Toronto and women’s shelters call on government to address root causes of Polytechnique massacre anniversary
Luke’s Place Legal Director, Pamela Cross, was interviewed for a Toronto Star article on the anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre. The article reflects on the massacre and highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and their safety. “There were a whole lot of factors that combined when the pandemic first hit that put…
Read moreOntario’s family law takes a step forward in protecting the vulnerable: Toronto Star op-ed
Luke’s Place Legal Director, Pamela Cross, published an opinion piece in The Toronto Star about the passing of Bill 207: An Act to amend the Children’s Law Reform Act, the Courts of Justice Act, the Family Law Act and other Acts respecting various family law matters. Last week’s passage of Bill 207, which significantly changes…
Read moreInternational Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women: How you can help
Today the world is coming together in recognition of International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Today we are asking you to join us in showing your support by sharing our posts on your social media and by making a meaningful donation. Text COURAGE to give. Donations that come through text message will…
Read moreNew custody and access legislation increases safety for women and children fleeing abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bill 207, the Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, received Royal Assent on November 20th. Likely to come into effect in conjunction with the revised Divorce Act on March 31, 2021, these changes to how courts will make parenting arrangement decisions offer new hope for women with children who are fleeing abuse.…
Read moreTips for working with women during the pandemic
1) Everyone is stressed Remember everyone is more stressed than usual: your client, her children, her extended family, even her lawyer (if she has one). Don’t forget to include yourself on the list of people who are more stressed than usual. You may be working from home, without ready access to your colleagues or files.…
Read moreViolence Against Women Prevention Month: Prevent and respond
For many, November is now synonymous with “Movember,” an international campaign to raise money for and awareness about men’s health through a wide range of activities, including the growing of moustaches. As the facial hair of men around us blossoms over the upcoming weeks, let’s not forget that November is also Violence Against Women Prevention…
Read moreBrief on Bill 207: An Act to amend the Children’s Law Reform Act, the Courts of Justice Act, the Family Law Act and other Acts respecting various family law matters
Updated endorsements – Brief by Luke’s Place Support and Resource Centre, Durham Region, OntarioPresented by Pamela Cross, October 5, 2020 This brief responds to Bill 207: An Act to amend the Children’s Law Reform Act, the Courts of Justice Act, the Family Law Act and other Acts respecting various family law matters. It expands on…
Read moreOntario’s Fall 2020 Budget Consultation Submission: Family Court Support Worker Program
Ontario’s Family Court Support Worker Program provides invaluable supports to increasing numbers of domestic violence survivors who are involved in the family court process. It has done so with no funding enhancement since its inception in 2011. The following are speaking notes from a presentation to Honourable Rod Phillips, Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Lorne Coe…
Read more