Insights from Pamela Cross: Learning from the DVDRC Report
In her recent blog post Learning from Those Who Have Died, Pamela Cross, legal expert, feminist, member of Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee, and former Legal and Advocacy Director for Luke’s Place, reflects on the 2022–2023 Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC) report, which analyzed 28 cases involving 43 deaths related to intimate partner…
Read moreWoman Abuse Prevention Month
Every November, Ontario recognizes Woman Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reflect, raise awareness, and take action to end gender-based violence (GBV). At Luke’s Place, we stand with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) every day, women navigating not only the trauma of abuse but also the ongoing challenges of the family court system. This…
Read moreStanding Together: What the new Federal funding to advance equality and build safer, more inclusive communities means for Luke’s Place
On October 29, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a landmark investment of $660.5 million over five years to advance equality and build safer, more inclusive communities across the country. The announcement was made by The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State, alongside The Honourable Francoise-Philippe Champagne. During…
Read moreCase Summary: Grandparent contact with grandchildren
Family law legislation in a number of Canadian jurisdictions – Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick and the Yukon – grants grandparents explicit rights to seek time with their grandchildren. However, neither the federal Divorce Act nor Ontario’s Children’s Law Reform Act does so, meaning that a grandparent in Ontario must rely on more general…
Read moreFall into Learning: Earn your Professional and Substantive Hours
As fall settles in, it’s a great time for Ontario family law lawyers and law students to dive into professional development. If you’re looking for professional or substantive hours this season, we offer meaningful training opportunities designed to strengthen your skills and deepen your understanding of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the context of…
Read morePersons Day in Canada
This weekend on October 18th we recognize Persons Day in Canada, a day commemorating a historic milestone in women’s legal rights. On this day in 1929, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (Canada’s highest court of appeal at the time) ruled that women were to be included in the legal definition of “persons.” This…
Read moreThank You, Elexicon Energy, for Powering Safer Futures
We are deeply grateful to Elexicon Energy for selecting Luke’s Place as one of the recipients of their 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Thanks to their generosity, we received an incredible $50,000 in support of our work with women and children rebuilding their lives after being subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). This…
Read moreJoin Pamela Cross for a Virtual Discussion on Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Communities
On October 30th, feminist lawyer Pamela Cross will lead a virtual session titled ‘Untangling the Barriers to Ending Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Rural Communities.’ Hosted by the NFU Women’s Caucus, this free online workshop will explore what IPV and gender-based violence look like in rural and farming communities, and the transformative actions needed to…
Read moreCase Summary: Family violence and parenting arrangements
In this decision, Justice Mandhane makes a number of important statements with respect to family violence and parenting arrangements. She also explores the concept of applying restorative justice principles in family law cases. Background The parents met online and began dating in 2009. They started living together in 2012 and got married in 2015. They…
Read moreFormer Luke’s Place Advocacy Director, Pamela Cross Shortlisted for 2025 Balsillie Prize
Kingston-based feminist lawyer and advocate Pamela Cross has been named a finalist for the 2025 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy with her book, And Sometimes They Kill You: Confronting the Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence. Now in its fifth year, the Balsillie Prize recognizes nonfiction works that push forward public policy conversations in Canada. The…
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