National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Indigenous inspired artwork showing a bird in flight, and a winding river inside a circular background, with smaller outlined icons of animals.

September 30th each year marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  Luke’s Place operates on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.   We recognize that the legal and court systems we work within have long criminalized and surveilled Indigenous communities. As a service dedicated to supporting survivors of violence, we…

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Gender Equality Week: Centering Intimate Partner Violence in the Fight for Gender Equality   

The last week of September celebrates Gender Equality Week. Gender equality must include ensuring safety, autonomy, and dignity for all women. At Luke’s Place, we recognize intimate partner violence (IPV) as a manifestation of gender inequality and a barrier to true equality. Survivors of IPV cannot fully access their rights, freedoms, or opportunities until they…

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For immediate release: National Gender-Based Violence Legal Programs Face Funding Expiry, Advocates Call for Government Action

September 17, 2025 – For Immediate Release  What: Federal funding for gender-based violence legal programs, trauma-informed legal support for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, that support the 50% of women and gender diverse people in Canada who experience gender-based violence survivors a year is set to end imminently, with no opportunity for renewal.  …

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Celebrating our 2025 Ontario Volunteer Service Award recipients 

At Luke’s Place, we know our work supporting women subjected to intimate partner violence through family law is made possible by the generosity, skill, and dedication of our volunteers. This year, we are proud to announce that five extraordinary members of our Luke’s Place community have been recognized with the 2025 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards…

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For immediate release: Ontario anti-violence organizations call for urgent federal action to end epidemic of gender-based violence

Ottawa, ON — September 9, 2025 — On the evening of Thursday, September 18, organizations supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) from across Ontario will gather in Ottawa to demand a crisis-level government response to Canada’s epidemic of femicide and intimate partner violence.  In Ottawa, the annual Take Back the Night march will conclude with…

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For 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,…

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Now Accredited: Parent-Child-Contact Problem (Alienation) Online Course 

We’re excited to share that our free e-learning course on the Parent-Child-Contact Problem (Alienation), is now accredited by the Law Society of Ontario.  Whether you’re a lawyer, law student, or a service provider supporting survivors through the family court system, this self-paced module offers evidence-based, practical content grounded in legal experience.   About the Course  Developed…

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Inquests and Justice: Renfrew County and Beyond with Pamela Cross 

What is an inquest, and why does it matter in the fight against gender-based violence?  In a powerful new episode of the RAGE podcast, lawyer, author, and long-time advocate Pamela Cross joins the hosts to unpack these questions. The conversation takes a close look at the Renfrew County Inquest, which examined the 2015 murders of…

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