Helping your kids stay safe after separation: A practical checklist 

Separation can bring big changes, especially for children. As you sort out parenting arrangements, it’s essential to think about how to keep your kids safe, supported, and prepared. This checklist offers simple and practical ways to help your child feel more secure and know what to do in situations that might feel confusing or unsafe. …

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Victim & Survivors of Crime Week: The Power of Collaboration 

This week, the Government of Canada marks Victim and Survivors of Crime Week, a national initiative designed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by victims and survivors of crime, while highlighting the critical services, assistance, and laws available to support them.  At Luke’s Place, we are dedicated to helping women who have experienced intimate…

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Mental Health Awareness Week: Self-care as a Feminist Act 

Arms hugging a heart on a urple background, text reads "Mental Health Awareness Week. May 5th-11th, 2025".

May 5th to the 11th marks Mental Health Awareness Week. This year at Luke’s Place, we are focusing on the role that self-care plays in sustaining feminist movements, particularly for women impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV) and those who work tirelessly to support them.  Taking time to care for yourself can sometimes be met…

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Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2025: Volunteers Make Waves 

At Luke’s Place, we are proud to honour the incredible impact of our volunteers who help shape a more just and supportive legal system for women and children subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV).   This year’s National Volunteer Week theme: Volunteers Make Waves, highlights how each act of volunteering, big or small, creates momentum, contributes…

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Court Etiquette – What to know before you go 

Navigating family court can be an overwhelming experience. Understanding and practicing courtroom etiquette can help ease some pressure and help ensure your day proceeds as smoothly as possible. Here are some key tips to help you feel prepared:  By following these guidelines, you can focus on presenting your case and avoid unnecessary distractions. Remember, being…

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Tips for building a safe co-parenting relationship 

Violence does not always end when the relationship ends, especially when children are involved. If you share children with your ex-partner, establishing a new co-parenting dynamic is necessary. However, ensuring this relationship prioritizes your safety is crucial, and that can present significant challenges.   Here are some tips, from our toolkit, The Law and Parenting Arrangements…

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Case Comment: Parenting time and decision-making  

This case, written by Justice Pazaratz, provides a good overview of status quo and without prejudice interim parenting orders.  The applicant mother and the respondent father had one child together, who was eight years old at the time of this motion. The other respondent, who did not participate in the motion, was the mother of…

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Intersections of IPV and Trafficking

February 22nd marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada.   Human trafficking is a major issue in our province. Ontario has the second highest rate of Human Trafficking out of all the provinces in Canada (Stats Can). Trafficking is an incredibly pressing issue in our community as 62% of Canadian human trafficking cases originate…

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