Celebrating education that changes the lives of women subjected to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Education is a powerful tool for both preventing and responding to IPV. It can prevent harm, shift systems, and save lives. It is also a core part of the work we do at Luke’s Place.
As International Day of Education approaches on January 24th, Luke’s Place is reflecting on the role education and resources play in preventing and responding to IPV. Meaningful access to education is vital for women and children navigating family court, as well as for the professionals who support them.
Advocating for Education Within the Justice System
Family court decisions shape survivors’ lives. When judges and legal professionals lack a clear understanding of IPV, coercive control, and post-separation risks, the consequences can be devastating and sometimes lethal.
Luke’s Place has long advocated for:
- Meaningful education for judges and legal professionals on IPV
- Training that meaningfully addresses IPV and coercive control
- Greater awareness of the risks women and children face after separation
To learn more about our advocacy work visit our: Luke’s Place Advocacy page and our calls for judicial education.
Access to Education and Resources for Survivors
For women leaving abusive partners, access to clear, reliable, and trauma-informed information is essential. Survivors are often expected to navigate complex legal systems while coping with fear, trauma, and limited resources. Luke’s Place offers multiple ways for survivors to access education, information, and connection:
- Family Court & Beyond: A site designed for survivors and home to the family court survival workbook for women leaving abuse.
- Supporting After Separation: A resource for family members and friends of a woman with children who is leaving a relationship in which they have been subjected to IPV, this toolkit is for you.
- Early Information Sessions (EIS): Virtual 2-hour sessions for women in the early stages of the family law process who are experiencing or have experienced violence. These sessions provide clear answers to common family law questions and practical tips for navigating the family law system.
- Family Law Information Workshops (FLIW): Virtual workshops offered bi-weekly that focus on specific family law topics such as working with your lawyer, completing financial statements, restraining orders, and parenting arrangements. Women can attend one, several, or all workshops.
Access to Education and Resources for Service Providers
Luke’s Place develops and delivers high-quality resources for service providers who support survivors of IPV.
- Live training for service providers who have been subjected to abuse through the family court, which we can tailor to meet the specific needs of your organization or community, available in-person or via webinar
- The After She Leaves online training for service providers who are supporting women through the family court
- Resources specifically designed for service providers:
- Our blog, with weekly postings on family law support strategies, case law, changes to the law, and commentary on current events
- Webinars on family law issues
To learn more about our trainings, email us at training@lukeplace.ca.
If you would like to make a donation for the development and delivery of new trainings and resources for women subjected to IPV, and the service providers who support them, please donate today.
