Resources from Luke's Place
Luke’s Place offers a range of resources on the intersection of family law and violence against women.
For women
What is intimate partner violence?
Abuse in a relationship might be physical, but it can take many other forms as well. Learn about different tactics a person might use to try to control their partner.
What does family law have to do with violence against women?
Making decisions at the end of an abusive relationship is challenging and often dangerous for the woman and her children. It is at this high-risk time that many people become involved with family court.
The law and parenting arrangements after separation: A toolkit for women
Legal information about the laws for arrangements for children after a relationship ends, as well as tip sheets and checklists. Available in English (National version or Ontario version) or French (National version or Ontario version).
Family court and beyond
Get safety and legal information as well as strategies on how to survive your family court case. Available as a workbook and a website. Visit FamilyCourtAndBeyond.ca (external link).
Tech safety toolkit
Get family law strategies for dealing with tech abuse and see case law. Information and links to safety resources for keeping safe(r) on your devices and the web.
Family court operations guide
This guide is designed for anyone navigating Ontario's family court system. It covers serving and filing documents, virtual court appearances, where to get support, and more.
For service providers
Hosting Gender-Based Violence Trainings: A Train the Trainer Guide
Designed to help organizations, community leaders and facilitators confidently host educational sessions on gender-based violence using a trauma-informed and survivor centre approach.
After she leaves manual
Designed for women's service providers, this manual covers a wide range of topics related to gender-based violence in the family, the family law process, parenting arrangements and how to effectively advocate.
Emergency motions toolkit
Detailed information for service providers assisting women who need emergency motions for different family law situations. Available to women’s organizations at no cost.
CKW advocacy inquest toolkit
Developed to assist organizations that do not have the time or resources to develop their own advocacy strategy and tools. It reflects Luke's Place priorities and is meant to inspire rather than limit the strategies we use to advocate.
Feminist law reform e-learning
Want to advocate for a change to a law or legal policy? This free self-directed e-learning looks at how to do law reform as a community-based organization.
Feminist media leadership e-learning
Do you want to work with the media or improve your techniques? This free self-directed e-learning looks at how to promote gender-based violence concerns. It covers communication tools, interviews and the power of language.
Family law webinars
Our recorded webinars cover issues such as emergency motions, relocating with children, the best interests of the child test, restraining orders and many more issues.
Going the distance
A publication for service providers, policy makers and others on supporting rural and remote abuse survivors with their family law issues. Download Going the distance (PDF).
Understanding intersectionality
This workbook is designed to support women's services to reflect on social location, power, privilege, and oppression.
The Luke’s Place blog
Watch our weekly blog posts for legal news and family court strategies for women and their allies. We have specific sections on case law, current events and frequently asked questions about family law and more.
The impact of third parties on solicitor-client privilege
This paper takes the position that the presence of professional advocates does not destroy this privilege and, in fact, enhances the lawyer-client relationship.
For community and family
Community Webinar Series and Toolkit
A toolkit for friends, family, and neighbours who want to help someone subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). Includes 3 webinars developed by Luke's Place and the Region of Durham. You don’t need to be an expert, just someone who cares!
Supporting after separation: Legal information and resources for a survivor’s friends and family members
If you are a family member or a friend of a woman with children who is leaving a relationship in which you have been subjected to abuse, this toolkit is for you.