Statement from Luke’s Place on Sudine Riley
We are extremely appalled by the very serious reports of assault on a racialized female lawyer at the Oshawa courthouse earlier this week. As an organization that works regularly at this courthouse, we are incredibly concerned with the systemic racism and violence impacting our community and communities across Ontario. Sudine Riley was catching up on her legal work at the courthouse when she was assaulted by police officers…
Read moreOntario’s Winter 2026 Pre-Budget Consultation
Family court processes are complex, adversarial, and frequently inaccessible for survivors of IPV, especially those experiencing economic insecurity, trauma, or ongoing safety concerns. Without stable supports and meaningful access to legal representation, survivors are placed at heightened risk of continued violence, coercive control, and unjust outcomes that undermine both safety and child well-being. Demand for specialized family law and court-based…
Read moreLegal Support Across Ontario: Luke’s Place Legal Clinic
The Luke’s Place Legal Clinic provides free, confidential support to help women subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV) across Ontario navigate family law. Through the clinic, women connect with experienced family law lawyers who provide summary legal advice, guidance, and support. History of the Virtual Legal Clinic Luke’s Place launched a free in-person legal clinic in 2009, offering summary family…
Read moreIntroducing the new National After She Leaves Website!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new website, After She Leaves! The After She Leaves Website is a national resource created specifically for Canadian women’s advocates supporting women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence and are navigating family court. The site offers clear context, practical legal information, and advocacy-focused strategies to support your work. The…
Read moreCelebrating 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…
Read moreCase Summary: Cyberbullying Recognized as Family Violence
In this case the Mother and Father had previously lived in Peru, however, after separation the Mother and child fled to Canada as the Mother was fearful for her and the child’s safety due to the Father’s extremely abusive conduct. The Father eventually followed the Mother and child to Canada and the trial for this case was heard in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. There were several issues that were addressed at trial, but the primary…
Read moreJanuary is Stalking Awareness Month: Understanding Stalking in the Digital Age
January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a form of abuse that is often hidden, minimized, or misunderstood. Stalking is about control, fear, and ongoing harm. In today’s world, technology has made stalking easier to carry out and harder to escape. What is Stalking? Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes someone to…
Read moreFinding Hope Despite the Despair: Pamela Cross on Ending Gender-Based Violence, Hosted by CFUW Perth
On January 19th, feminist lawyer Pamela Cross will lead a virtual session titled “Finding Hope Despite the Despair: Moving Forward to End Gender-Based Violence.” In this powerful free online talk, hosted by CFUW Perth, Pamela draws on more than 30 years of frontline experience in the violence against women movement to explore why our legal systems continue to fail so…
Read more2026 – It’s a new year – what lies ahead
As we step into the new year, we reflect on the work we have accomplished together and the work that still lies ahead. Women subjected to intimate partner violence continue to face complex challenges, especially within the family court system, the core focus of Luke’s Place’s mission. With your support, we look forward to 2026 as a year of growth,…
Read moreSupport Luke’s Place before year-end!
As the year draws to a close, we want to thank our community for standing with survivors of intimate partner violence. Your support makes our programs, such as the Women’s Direct Service and Legal Support Program, possible. There is still time to make a tax-deductible donation before December 31 and help us continue our work in…
Read more