Frequently asked questions
Being an ally: Community resources for supporting survivors
Luke’s Place, in partnership with the Region of Durham, has created a three-part webinar series and a new community resource toolkit. In this webinar, we explore how to be an ally to a survivor of intimate partner violence. The webinar explores how you can support a survivor, why they need support, why women stay and return, and…
Read moreIntimate partner violence and family court
Luke’s Place, in partnership with the Region of Durham, has created a three-part webinar series and a new community resource toolkit. Navigating family court can be challenging, especially for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). This webinar provides a clear and practical overview of how the family court system works, what to expect, and how you, as…
Read moreWhat is intimate partner violence
Luke’s Place, in partnership with the Region of Durham, has created a three-part webinar series and a new community resource toolkit. Intimate partner violence (IPV) can be complex and challenging to recognize. This webinar provides a clear overview of what IPV is, how to identify its signs, and practical ways to support someone who has been subjected…
Read moreThe Divorce Act or the Children’s Law Reform Act: Which to use?
Recent changes to the provisions dealing with post-separation parenting arrangements in Ontario’s Children’s Law Reform Act (CLRA) bring it into alignment with the federal Divorce Act. Women may wonder whether one piece of legislation is better for their case than the other. This is very much a fact-specific decision. If the woman has a lawyer,…
Read moreHow can I support my clients who have remote court appearances?
If supporting women as they prepare for and attend court is an important part of your job, here are some suggestions to assist you help them prepare for and attend virtual/remote court proceedings. Ahead of time Assist your client find out how her court appearance is going to take place. Will it be by telephone…
Read moreWhat does the revised Divorce Act say about parenting plans?
The changes to the Divorce Act give parenting plans a more formal role than they have had in the past, so it is worth discussing them with any of your clients who are using the Divorce Act to resolve post-separation parenting issues. Parenting plans can also be a useful tool for parents who need a…
Read moreWhat are the rights of grandparents who want access to their grandchildren?
Grandparents in Ontario have some legal rights to go to family court if they want to spend time with their grandchildren.
Read moreWomen’s experience with CAS
Child protection authorities exist to protect children from abuse and neglect. Also known as CAS, historically, their focus has been on situations in which the abuse or neglect has been directed at children themselves. Under provincial legislation, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, child protection authorities have the mandate to intervene when they deem…
Read moreJust how much financial information does a woman have to share when she leaves an abusive partner?
Financial abuse Many abusive relationships involve an element of financial control or abuse. For example, the abuser may: Monitor the woman’s spending Control all the money and give her an allowance Require her to justify her spending Insist that only his name be on bank accounts, investments, credit cards, etc. Not allow the woman to…
Read moreIt doesn’t end when she leaves: Post-separation abuse
Why doesn’t she leave? Many people, including judges and lawyers, believe that when a woman leaves an abusive partner, he will stop abusing her. Sadly, this is rarely the case. Women with abusive partners realize this. Knowing the abuser will continue the violence often prevents them from leaving. Staying with him means a woman knows…
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