Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Information on Making It Easier for Young Victims and Witnesses to Testify

Government of British Columbia
This information sheet is part of the Help Starts Here series and provides information for young victims and witnesses who need to testify in court.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Teen Digital Dating Violence Toolkit

BC Society of Transition Houses
This toolkit provides anti-violence workers and caregivers supporting teens through their experiences of digital dating violence with information, tips, handouts, and resources. Includes info to help better understand the legal causes of action related to experiences of teen digital dating violence.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo is eight circles arranged in a circle, with an outer dotted border. The organization name is to the right.

Technology-Facilitated Violence: Preserving Digital Evidence Toolkit

BC Society of Transition Houses
This guide helps women and anti-violence workers preserve digital evidence in situations involving technology-facilitated violence against women. It includes the laws and best practices, tech-specific guides, info on courts, legal options for self-represented litigants, and tech-safety resources.
Last reviewed March 2024
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JP Boyd on Family Law: Family Violence

John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of the ways that criminal law, tort law, and the Family Law Act can address issues of family violence, including through peace bonds and protection orders. It also takes a brief look at some child protection issues.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with the title, three blocks of text, and the Government of BC logo. It’s illustrated with line drawings of a sun, a leaf, a person, and a house.

Help Starts Here: If Your Child Is a Victim of Crime

Government of British Columbia
Children and youth experience various types of crime in various contexts, such as child abuse, bullying, and dating violence. This information sheet is part of the Help Starts Here series and provides information for parents and other family members whose child has been a victim of crime.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Help Starts Here: Information on Stalking (Criminal Harassment)

Government of British Columbia
Criminal harassment is not a sign of love; it’s about power and control. It’s abuse. There are steps you can take to increase your safety at home, at work, and on transit. This guide provides information on what a peace bond does and how to get one.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Family Violence

People’s Law School
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, you have options. Help is available from the police, community workers, and the courts. Learn the steps you can take.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Extended Family Program

Legal Aid BC
Provides information about the Extended Family Program. Under the program, parents who are temporarily unable to care for their children can ask to have their children placed in the care of family or friends, instead of having them go into foster care.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Temporary Out-of-Care Arrangements (Extended Family Program)

Government of British Columbia
When circumstances prevent a child from living with their parents, the preferred option is for the child to be with someone they know. The Extended Family Program offers services and financial supports to help improve outcomes for children and youth.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Collaborative Planning and Decision-Making in Child Welfare

Government of British Columbia
Provides brief description about mediation, family group conferencing, and cultural/traditional decision-making. These are alternatives to court for planning and making decisions about child welfare. Links to relevant information sheets are also available.
Last reviewed March 2024