You Can’t Say That in Court!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is the first of a two‑part conversation on decolonizing family law. We begin by grounding ourselves in key concepts that shape what it means to decolonize family law and legal practice. We unpack decolonization as an ongoing process, rooted in cultural humility and a willingness to move forward even when we don’t have perfect answers. The conversation explores the differences between colonial legal systems and Indigenous legal traditions, leading to fundamentally different understandings of justice and why acknowledging the limits and harms of the colonial system is a necessary step towards a more equitable, trauma‑informed approaches.     ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS: Decolonizing Family Law through trauma-informed practices report Myrna McCallum’s podcast, The Trauma-Informed Lawyer: https://thetraumainformedlawyer.simplecast.com/     LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are @RiseWomensLegal on all platforms.   ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we unpack Ahluwalia, a landmark case that reshaped the legal landscape of Family law, starting with the background of the case and how it made its way through the courts. We examine how myths and stereotypes in family law influenced the legal analysis. We then break down why the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a new tort, what that means in practice, and why it matters. Finally, we zoom out to discuss the access to justice issues this decision raises and what it could mean for future claims.   Additional Reading Materials: Supreme Court of Canada decision - Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16 Rise Intervention-Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia Rise’s letter to clients: https://www.womenslegalcentre.ca/s/2026-05-15-Ahluwalia-decision-letter-to-our-clients.pdf   LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate   If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are @RiseWomensLegal on all platforms. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: From courtroom hallways to virtual hearings, the justice system has changed, but should access to court be one-size-fits-all? In this episode, we explore the evolving methods of court appearance, tracing how virtual court became a necessity during COVID-19 and why flexibility remains critical today. We discuss the benefits, challenges, and real-world impacts of in-person, virtual, and hybrid hearings. Additional Reading Materials: Building Inclusive and Accessible Family Justice: Practical Approaches to Innovate Family Law Systems in BC’s Rural and Remote Communities LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre  

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Past research from Rise highlighted how attending court in person can be unsafe for survivors of violence. In this episode, we move into the next phase of that work, sharing both general trends and specific findings from Rise’s latest research. We discuss what has changed, what risks remain, and what these findings reveal about survivor safety, access, and accountability within the family law system. Additional Reading Materials: Court House Safety Report: Access, Safety, and Regional Context: A Comprehensive Assessment of BC Court Locations   LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: By Nithasha PremKumar ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we zoom out to examine the growing failures of protection orders and the real‑world consequences for survivors. Drawing from Rise's protection order and housing research, the speakers explore how these legal tools are becoming harder to access, more limited in scope, and increasingly shaped by myths about risk, credibility, and “good” victimhood. We place these experiences in a wider context, showing that the problems in BC are not isolated, but part of a systemic pattern echoed across jurisdictions. The episode also begins to look forward, previewing calls for a more specialized, coordinated, and trauma‑informed approach, highlighting recent government policy signals that suggest meaningful reform may finally be on the horizon. Additional Reading Materials: Rise report: Protection Orders in BC and the Urgent Need for a Specialized Process and Coordinated Reform Link to Law Commission of Ontario report: Improving Protection Orders in Family, Child Protection, and Civil Law LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: By Nithasha PremKumar ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we continue our exploration of the challenges survivors face when leaving abusive relationships by examining the legal protections designed to keep them safe, and why these tools often fall short. We break down the landscape of criminal protection orders, including how they're meant to be customized but frequently lack meaningful survivor input, and how their effectiveness is often tied to the status of criminal proceedings. We then turn to family law protection orders, unpacking the promise of the 2013 Family Law Act reforms and the realities that have followed. Throughout the conversation, the speakers name the myths and stereotypes that persist across these systems and the enforcement challenges that leave survivors without the protection they need. This episode sets the stage for our next conversation, where we'll explore recommendations for a more coordinated, specialized approach to protection orders. Additional Reading Materials: Rise’s report: Protection Orders in BC and the Urgent Need for a Specialized Process and Coordinated Reform   LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: By Nithasha PremKumar ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we take a look at the challenges survivors face when seeking help from the very systems meant to protect them. We unpack how hospitals and emergency rooms respond in moments of crisis, explore the complexities and gaps within police and criminal justice system interactions, and examine the often‑overlooked pressures within child protection responses. Throughout the conversation, we also name and acknowledge the barriers such as colonialism, racism, and ableism that shape these systems and can impact survivor experiences. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how systemic barriers show up, and what it takes to create responses that are truly supportive, equitable, and trauma‑informed.   Additional Reading Materials: Kim Stanton's June 2025 Final Report - Independent Systemic Review: The British Columbia Legal System's Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence Kim Stanton's June 2025 Final Report - Executive Summary LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: By Nithasha PremKumar   This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In the second episode of Season 2, we dive deeper into the critical housing barriers with our internal guest speaker, Haley Hrymak, as she discusses the financial barriers after leaving an abusive relationship and the disconnect between Family Law remedies & housing realities. Additional Reading Materials: • Rise Full Report: Should I Have Just Stayed? Improving Family Law Remedies for Survivors During BC’s Housing Crisis • For Lawyers: Housing Crisis and Coercive Control — Rise Professional Legal Education • Dr. Kim Stanton's June 2025 Final Report - Independent Systemic Review: The British Columbia Legal System's Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence • Dr. Kim Stanton's June 2025 Final Report - Executive Summary   LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: By Nithasha PremKumar   This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In the first episode of Season 2, we dive into the critical housing barriers faced by people experiencing family violence. Our internal guest speaker, Haley Hrymak, helps illuminate how housing challenges directly intersect with survivor safety. Haley’s research report, “Should I Have Just Stayed”, explores the complex experiences of survivors navigating both housing instability and the family law system. In this episode, we unpack key themes from the report—financial insecurity, ongoing housing crisis, and coercive controlling behaviours, highlighting how these factors shape a survivor’s choices and overall well-being. Join us as we shed light on the realities survivors face, the systemic gaps that worsen their situations, and the urgent need for trauma‑informed, survivor‑centered housing solutions. ADDITIONAL READING:  Should I Have Just Stayed?” Improving Family Law Remedies for Survivors During BC’s Housing Crisis For Lawyers: Housing Crisis and Coercive Control — Rise Professional Legal Education   LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this final episode of Season 1, we talk about Dr. Kim Stanton’s report on how the BC legal system handles intimate partner and sexual violence. The report looks at why progress has been slow and offers over 20 recommendations for real change. We highlight main topics like better collaboration, courthouse safety, fair pay for support workers, and ending harmful myths. Dr. Stanton’s work provides a strong roadmap for improving the justice system. Learn more: BC Government Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/about-bcs-justice-system/justice-reform-initiatives/systemic-review Dr. Kim Stanton's Report: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/about-bc-justice-system/justice-reform-initiatives/systemic-review/dr_kim_stantons_june_2025_final_report_-_independent_systemic_review__the_british_columbia_legal_systems_treatment_of_intimate_partner_violence_and_sexual_violence.pdf LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we talk about technology-facilitated abuse which is when tech or online tools are used to control, harass, or track a partner. We share examples like location tracking, email hacking, and misuse of cloud storage, and offer simple safety tips like changing passwords and resetting devices. As we near the end of the season, we highlight ways to stay safe and where to find support. Learn more about the resources at: BCSTH Technology Safety - https://bcsth.ca/project/technology-safety/  Women’s Shelters Canada Tech Safety - https://techsafety.ca/ LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Finding the right family lawyer in BC can be tough. In this episode, we talk about why it is hard, the difference between legal aid and private lawyers, and how to find someone who is a good fit for you. Learn more in our guide, How do I Choose A Family Lawyer?: https://www.womenslegalcentre.ca/publications/how-to-choose-a-family-lawyer  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Support workers are a key part of BC’s family law system, but they are underpaid, overworked, and undertrained for the legal demands they are facing. From victim services to outreach and housing, they are filling critical gaps left by inaccessible legal services. In this episode, we talk about funding problems, legal challenges, and why long-term support and training are so important. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we talk about the real-life struggles people face when trying to deal with family court in BC’s rural and remote (RRN) communities. We share what we found during our 2022 research, where we visited 40 communities and spoke with support workers and lawyers. People in these areas often face serious barriers like having to travel long distances to get to court, dealing with delays between court dates, and struggling to find a lawyer. These challenges make it even harder for survivors of abuse to get the support and safety they need. Learn more in our report: Building Inclusive and Accessible Family Justice: Practical Approaches to Innovate Family Law Systems in BC’s Rural and Remote Communities LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is the final episode of a five-part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky continue their conversation with Stephanie Hodgson and Melissa Klages. The five-part series discusses the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). This last episode in the series ties up everything up and discusses the strategies on how to create a good support system for clients.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is part four of a five-part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky continue their conversation with Stephanie Hodgson, and Melissa Klages. The five-part series discuss the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). Lawyers are not in a position to take on legal matters where they are not qualified so if there are multiple matters, there will be a different lawyer for each area of law (when a client can afford it!). This episode discusses some practical approaches lawyers can take to help when there is more than one legal issue at a time. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is part three of a five-part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky continue their conversation with Stephanie Hodgson, and Melissa Klages. The five-part series discusses the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). This episode discusses how different areas of law can intersect with family law. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is part two of a five-part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky had invited two lawyers, one who has been part of this podcast earlier - Stephanie Hodgson, and Melissa Klages, managing lawyer at Arrow law in what is colonially known Revelstoke. The five-part series discusses the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). This episode discusses the complications when different areas of law become interconnected. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC. For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is part one of a five-part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky had invited two lawyers, one who has been part of this podcast earlier - Stephanie Hodgson, and Melissa Klages, managing lawyer at Arrow law in what is colonially known Revelstoke. The five-part series discuss the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). This episode focuses on how the overlap of different areas of law can be used as a manipulation to cause harm to survivors. Note: Stephanie Hodgson refers to family legal clinics in the episode and mentions that they are yet to open. Since recording this episode, the legal clinics have opened up.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Vicky are joined by Natalie Longe, Supervising Lawyer of Rise's Virtual Legal Clinic, to discuss the evolution of family law. Natalie was called to the BC bar in 1998 and has been practicing family law ever since. Prior to joining Rise, she worked as a family law advocate at a transition house in Victoria for two years. Natalie brings a diverse wealth of knowledge and experience helping survivors navigate the BC family law system, and is currently running Rise's Counsel Connect program, which provides phone calls and virtual meetings for lawyers assisting clients who have experienced family violence outside of the Lower Mainland.  This episode talks about the evolution of what we know today as the Family Law Act from the Family Relations Act of 1972 and the integration of the language of family violence in the act.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Vicky and Stephanie speak about litigation abuse, also referred to as court-related or litigation harassment, and the ways legal processes can be misused. Once again, the episode covers the patterns of behaviour in litigation abuse, and commonly used tactics, which continue to perpetuate harm.   LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Stephanie and Vicky speak about financial abuse. The reality of abusive relationship is the at the survivor is usually very financially dependent on the perpetrator, which is one of the ways for the perpetrator to maintain control. Financial abuse is a tangible example of coercive control because it’s a pattern of behaviour (instead of a one-time incident) and undermines every aspect of someone’s independence and their ability to leave the relationship at all. The hosts share specific examples of what financial abuse can look like in a relationship and how financial abuse can continue after separation.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we are joined by Vandana Sood - a staff lawyer at Rise, who answers question regarding myths and stereotypes at the trial level. In 2024, Vandana represented the mother and appealed a final parenting order that provided the father (the respondent) with equal and unsupervised parenting time. The BC Court of Appeal found that the trial judge had failed to conduct a proper analysis of the mother’s allegations of family violence. The Court of Appeal also found that the trial judge failed to consider the effect of a child’s exposure to family violence when assessing the best interests of the child and relied on in reaching the trial decision. In this episode, the hosts ask Vandana about: What were some of the myths that appeared at the trial level? Why was the recognition of these myths in the higher court so important? What is the importance of considering indirect family violence (vs. Direct family violence)? What does this case, KMN, do for the future of family law cases? References: 1. Court of Appeal Judgement   2. Canlii decision: K.M.N. v. S.Z.M., 2024 BCCA 70 (CanLII) LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we are joined by Haley Hrymak - a staff lawyer at Rise. Haley shares some of the findings from Rise’s research project, which was conducted between June 2017 and May 2020 (funded by WAGE). This research found that despite the well-documented prevalence of family violence directed at women. many legal system professionals still tend to view cases involving family violence as outliers or exceptions to the norm. The findings are presented in a report titled: Why Can't Everyone Just Get Along? LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Hodgson, who is a lawyer on the so-called Vancouver Island and shares an office with Moira the adopted border collie/Aussie shepherd/great Pyrenees Mountain mutt. Stephanie is interested in the intersections of gender/sexuality and the law and currently practices in the areas of family and child protection or family policing law. The episode explores using screening tools for clients experiencing family violence; the purpose of screening tools and challenges with using screening tools. The episode discusses best approaches that have worked for the guest speaker in their over a decade of practice.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Hodgson, who is a lawyer on the so-called Vancouver Island and shares an office with Moira the adopted border collie/Aussie shepherd/great Pyrenees Mountain mutt. Stephanie is interested in the intersections of gender/sexuality and the law and currently practices in the areas of family and child protection or family policing law. The episode explores how do you listen when someone is experiencing family violence, challenges with detecting or listening for family violence, practical tips used in legal practice, and much more.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: A continuation from the first episode, Vicky and Stephanie talk about myths about family violence and how a coercive and controlling behaviour lens can help to provide an understanding of harmful behavior. Women and gender-diverse individuals are overwhelmingly victims of IPV and this is why we are using gendered language in our podcast.  See Rise's report Why can’t everyone just get along? LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre    

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: There is lots of misunderstanding amongst the public about family violence. In this episode we are talking about family violence and what is coercive and controlling behaviour. We are looking at a collection of actions in order to identify a pattern. Women and gender-diverse individuals are overwhelmingly victims of IPV and this is why we are using gendered language in our podcast.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer. TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need. MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use) GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre