Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Types of Family Matters Dealt with in Provincial Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
The Provincial Court handles many types of family matters including parenting arrangements, spousal and child support and their enforcement, child protection, adult guardianship (protection of abused or neglected adults), and child abduction by a parent.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Information on Protection Orders

Government of British Columbia
Read about what a protection order is, when you should get one, how it will protect you, and who you can speak with to get more information about how to apply for one.
Last reviewed August 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with title and logo, illustrated with a photo of three generations of women's hands one on top of the other, with the elder's hand at the bottom and the youngest at the top.

Women’s Right to Be Safe

Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia
This resource introduces Indigenous children, girls, and women to community services that provide culturally-appropriate support for safety concerns.
Last reviewed July 2024
Thumbnail of the cover with the title an, an image of overlapping silhouettes of women facing each other, and the Battered Women’s Support Services logo. The colours are dark blues and greens.

When Battered Women Are Arrested: A Growing Problem

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
This tool is for women who have been abused by their partner and arrested by the police. It is aimed at empowering women to get support and take action about the arrest.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover with the title an, an image of overlapping silhouettes of women facing each other, and the Battered Women’s Support Services logo. The colours are orange and brown.

When Battered Women Are Arrested (A Resource for Front-Line Workers)

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
A growing number of women that Battered Women’s Support Services help have been arrested for allegedly perpetrating violence against their partners, despite the fact that in all cases the women were being abused by their partners. This tool is designed to help advocates provide information, support, and advocacy.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the manual cover showing stylized profiles of women's faces in shades of green, blue, and purple. It includes the (Battered Women's Support Services logo.

Resources for Women and Advocates

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS)
Provides a list of resources and contacts for women and advocates. This manual is designed to enhance knowledge and strengthen skills of the women and men who are the first point of contact to comprehensively meet the needs of refugee and immigrant women.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, a photo of a close-up of a woman's face with her hand on her cheek, and the YWCA logo.

Stopping the Violence: A Guide for Women Facing Domestic Violence

YWCA Vancouver
Brochure about abuse of women in relationships. Explains what abuse is and what the warning signs are, and provides resources for help and support.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Stalking Is a Crime Called Criminal Harassment

Government of Canada
Explains what type of behaviour counts as criminal harassment and what steps you can take to protect yourself. It also includes a list of local or provincial agencies that can offer support or helpful information.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Sexual Abuse — What Happens When You Tell: A Guide for Children and Parents

Government of Canada
This booklet is designed to help children who have experienced sexual abuse. It outlines why a child should tell about the abuse and who should be told. It explains how family members might react and what social workers and police do when they are told about sexual abuse.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing four images in a circular frame: a house, a family, a child reading, and a teen on a skateboard.

Responding to Child Welfare Concerns: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report

Government of British Columbia
Booklet explains when to report child abuse and neglect, and what to report. Includes what child abuse and neglect is, warning signs, what to do if a child tells you about the abuse, and what to do if you suspect abuse. It also explains what to expect when you make the report and what happens next.
Last reviewed March 2024