What it does
Bill C-223 proposes changes to Canada’s Divorce Act, so family court decisions better protect children and survivors of family violence.
Some of the changes this Bill proposes include:
Lawyers having to screen for family violence risk early in a case
Helping judges recognize coercive control and how it affects children
Putting more weight on children’s views,
Read moreIn April, the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recognized nearly 5,000 exceptional individuals across the province, people whose generosity, compassion, and dedication strengthen communities every day.
At Luke’s Place, we are proud to celebrate four remarkable volunteers who were honoured this year for their outstanding contributions to supporting women navigating the family law system.
Between 2024 and 2026, Luke’s Place traveled to communities across Ontario to deliver our flagship training program, After She Leaves. This two-day training supports frontline workers who assist survivors of intimate partner violence navigating the family law system.
Over the past two years, we have delivered training to 231 frontline workers across Guelph, Parry Sound, Toronto, Kingston, London, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay,
Family court processes are complex, adversarial, and frequently inaccessible for survivors of IPV, especially those experiencing economic insecurity, trauma, or ongoing safety concerns. Without stable supports and meaningful access to legal representation, survivors are placed at heightened risk of continued violence, coercive control, and unjust outcomes that undermine both safety and child well-being. Demand for specialized family law and court-based supports continues to grow across Ontario,
We are excited to announce the launch of our new website, After She Leaves!
The After She Leaves Website is a national resource created specifically for Canadian women’s advocates supporting women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence and are navigating family court.
The site offers clear context, practical legal information,
The holidays are celebrated as a time of joy, family, and warmth. But for many women and children subjected to intimate partner violence, this season can bring heightened fear, uncertainty, and isolation.
At Luke’s Place, we see firsthand how critical support becomes at this time of year. Survivors navigating separation, the family law system,
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 by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism for their consecutive years of service.
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,
In December, Luke’s Place participated in Legal Aid Ontario’s (LAO) open consultation process on their proposal is to increase the financial eligibility criteria for all duty counsel and criminal certificate services. While we strongly support an increase to the financial eligibility criteria, we implored LAO to extend this financial eligibility increase to their family law certificate program,
Luke’s Place held its 12th Annual Family Court Support Worker (FCSW) Gathering this past November. Over two impactful days, 54 FCSWs from across Ontario, representing 35 organizations, came together to connect and learn.
Since 2011, Luke’s Place has led training for Ontario’s FCSWs, funded originally by the Ministry of the Attorney General and now by the Ministry of Children,
