Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and the Ontario Family Law System
Understanding how survivors experience the family law system is essential to improving access to safety and justice.
Over the past three years, Luke’s Place has partnered with Dr. Mavis Morton from the University of Guelph to conduct a province-wide research project exploring the family law experiences of women and gender-diverse survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with intersecting identities.
We are pleased to share that the Executive Summary of this research is now available.
About the Research
This three-year, community-engaged study brings together the voices of survivors and frontline service providers across Ontario. The research draws on:
- 389 survey responses
- 36 in-depth interviews with IPV survivors
- Interviews with 18 service providers working in violence-against-women and community organizations
Together, these perspectives provide important insight into how survivors navigate the family law system in Ontario.
What the research highlights
The findings point to significant challenges survivors encounter when trying to access safety and justice through family law processes.
Many participants described the system as inaccessible, complex, costly, and difficult to navigate, particularly for those without legal representation.
Survivors and service providers also identified broader systemic barriers, including:
- Lack of access to accessible information and education
- Limited access to affordable, IPV-informed, culturally competent, and trauma-informed legal representation
- Court processes that can be intimidating and retraumatizing
- Bias and discrimination affecting survivors with unique intersecting identities
- Abusive partners using legal processes as a form of ongoing control
- Gaps in culturally responsive services and supports
Why this research matters
Survivors and service providers shared important recommendations for improving Ontario’s family law system. These include:
- Expanding access to legal supports for survivors
- Increasing specialized training on IPV, intersectionality, and client-centered practices for legal professionals
- Improving coordination between legal and community systems
- Reforming court processes to better prioritize survivor safety
The Executive Summary highlights key findings and recommendations and is intended to support ongoing policy development, advocacy, and system change.
Read the Executive Summary
To read the full research report, please contact training@lukesplace.ca.
