Posts Tagged ‘family violence’
Supreme Court of Canada Recognizes Tort of Intimate Partner Violence
Luke’s Place welcomes landmark ruling paving the way for improved access to justice for survivors of intimate partner violence Luke’s Place today welcomed the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, which recognizes a new tort of intimate partner violence in Canadian law. This ruling, which centers on the corrosive impact of…
Read moreCase Summary: The use of Amicus Curiae in Family Law
Written by Pamela Cross, LLB, LLD This case summary is a bit different from most that we post here, because it is about an important procedural matter rather than about the legal issues between the two parties to the case. As you all know from your work, the number of people engaged in family court proceedings who do…
Read moreHolding Space: Mental Health, Frontline Work, and Supporting Survivors During Family Court
Each year, Mental Health Awareness (May 4-10) invites us to pause and reflect on how we care for ourselves and one another. For those working on the frontlines of intimate partner violence (IPV), this week carries a deeper weight. At Luke’s Place we see every day how the family law system intersects with trauma. Survivors…
Read moreSexual Violence Prevention Month
May is recognized as Sexual Violence Prevention Month in Ontario and across Canada. This is an important time to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and to strengthen efforts to support survivors and prevent harm. Sexual violence is deeply gendered. Women, girls, and gender-diverse people are far more likely to experience sexual violence…
Read moreCase Summary: Breakdown of Shared Parenting Plans
Written by Pamela Cross, LLB, LLD This was a long and bitterly fought case, that played out over five years of a young child’s life. In 2019, Justice Eberhard made a consent order that the parents would share the care of their child on a week-about schedule and make decisions relating to the child jointly. This…
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 moreInternational Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) is observed every November 25th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to end all forms of violence against women and girls worldwide. It also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign that aims to raise awareness and mobilize action 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 moreFor immediate release: Community Unites for Second Annual Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence in Durham Region
Durham, Ontario – September 4, 2025 – On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10 a.m., eight local violence against women organizations will host the Second Annual Community Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence. The walk starts at Durham Region Headquarters, 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby. This powerful event is brought to you by Bethesda House,…
Read moreLuke’s Place Contributes to New Publication on Family Violence and Family Law
We’re excited to announce the release of Understanding Family Violence in Family Court Proceedings: Providing Effective Responses for Victims, Children, and Perpetrators, a vital new resource published by the University of Toronto Press. This book addresses the growing recognition in Canadian legislation and case law that the family law legal system needs to do more…
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