Trauma-informed interviewing practices are common in criminal cases to help lawyers effectively communicate with survivors of assault. But family lawyers should also use them when working with clients who've experienced trauma. As legal practices evolve, there is a growing recognition of how … [Read more...]
Vicarious Trauma in Criminal and Family Lawyers: The unseen burden of advocating for victims
The work of criminal and family lawyers exposes them to abuse and trauma, which can lead them to experiencing vicarious trauma. But help is available. Lawyers practicing in family or criminal law are instrumental in advocating for and guiding their clients through some of the most traumatic … [Read more...]
Sexual Violence: It’s prevalent and preventable
Sexual violence includes child sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment. It's more prevalent than you might think, but we can prevent further harm by working together. What is sexual violence? Sexual violence is a broad term that includes child sexual abuse, sexual assault and … [Read more...]
Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence: How to respond positively and with compassion
When someone shares they have experienced sexual violence, we can respond by listening, showing belief, letting them know it wasn’t their fault, validating their feelings, and offering information, choice and control. Sexual violence can be difficult to talk about. It can be hard to know what … [Read more...]
Beyond ‘High Conflict’: The need for domestic violence awareness and assessment in family law interventions
Confusing domestic violence for high conflict can pose significant risks to the family, something family law professionals need to be aware of and assess in their clients. In family law, 'high conflict' often describes challenging relationships between parents. However, beneath this label … [Read more...]
The Tort of Family Violence: New relief available for victims of family violence
In 2022, the Ontario Supreme Court applied a new tort of family violence that recognizes the complex dynamic of violence within a relationship. The new tort of family violence represents another step forward in Canadian courts’ ever-changing views of how to address violence in family matters. To … [Read more...]
Working with Clients Who Have Experienced Family Violence: Being client-centered and trauma-informed
Calgary Legal Guidance's Domestic Violence Family Law program is constantly learning and growing to better hear, understand and serve its clients. Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) is a non-profit organization offering a range of legal services to those who cannot easily access Legal Aid or other paid … [Read more...]
Domestic Violence Resources from CPLEA
Family Violence Prevention Month has come to an end but sadly information on this topic is needed year round. Here's a summary of information available from CPLEA. INFO SHEETS | Domestic Violence and the Law We have updated our Domestic Violence and the Law series of info sheets. Topics include: … [Read more...]
WINning Through Courage, Vision & Conviction
WINning is the story of people – mostly women – whose courage, vision, and commitment provoked societal recognition of women’s realities and needs. In 1968, a small group of women put a plan in motion that would change the lives of countless women facing desperate choices. In WINning: The Trials, … [Read more...]
Toward a holistic approach to reform of the Canadian legal system
People experiencing domestic abuse must often deal with several legal matters while addressing that violence. Some matters will need urgent attention. But which ones? When the neighbours called 911 on Saturday night, Maria’s life went into a tailspin. As the police were arresting Paul, they told … [Read more...]