Provincial funding assists women seeking family law services

VICTORIA, B.C. — The province is providing $1 million in funding to Rise Women’s Legal Centre to help women across the province access legal services.

Rise Women’s Legal Centre offers free in-person and virtual legal services for protection orders, divorce or separation, parenting arrangements and spousal support to more than 1,700 women and gender-diverse people annually.

“Going through a separation or divorce can be very challenging, and if you are low-income and experienced intimate partner violence, taking that step can seem incredibly daunting,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. 

“This funding will help make it easier for more women taking this critical step to get the supports they need.”

According to the Ministry of the Attorney General, there was an increase in intimate partner violence during the pandemic, and gender-based violence is still prevalent in B.C.

People are reluctant to pursue legal action against an abuser or leave an unhealthy relationship because they are unaware of their legal rights or free resources, says the ministry.

Rise Women’s Legal Centre also provides training and support for other community support workers, as well as research to inform policy and make changes in the family law system.

The centre works with clients across the province and collaborates with local partners in over 30 communities.

“It’s imperative that survivors of gender-based violence have the necessary supports to help them through the emotional and psychological trauma that they have experienced,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. 

“Free legal and educational resources will also help prevent others from becoming victims in the future.”

The $1 million funding will support recommendations outlined in the Creating Safety in BC Courts report, offering legal advice services and assisting counsel in complex cases or conflicts of interest.

“Many women come to us during the worst time of their lives,” said Kim Hawkins, Rise Women’s Legal Centre executive director. 

“This funding will help us help more women get the resolution and support they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.”

For more information on support for victims of domestic violence, visit the Government of BC’s website.

Energeticcity.ca released an investigative story on intimate partner violence (IPV) in January, including information on increases during the pandemic and local stories.