Legal Resources

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.

A sign language and captioned video on sexual assault reporting options in BC created as part of Disability Alliance BC’s Sexual Assault Reporting Options: Increasing Access for Women with Disabilities project. Generously funded by the Ministry of Public Safety.

This help sheet will explain who to talk to–or who to report to–if you have been sexually assaulted. Generously funded by the Ministry of Public Safety.

Describes how to spot types of abuse and family violence in different harmful or controlling behaviours (whether it’s happening to you or someone you know).

Written for parents whose child has been abducted and taken out of the country, or who are concerned that their child may be vulnerable to such abduction. It reviews prevention issues and steps to take in cases of international abduction.

Provides information about the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, what BC central authority can do if your child is abducted across international borders, and how most cases would proceed. Includes useful contacts and links to forms.

Lists resources that might be helpful to you if you’re not a Canadian citizen and you have a family law issue. Explains how laws in other countries can affect your legal situation, how some processes might be different, and what you can do if your residency sponsorship breaks down.

Includes examples of how the other person may use the legal system to harass (bother) or abuse you, and what you can do.

Explains child protection law and what parents or guardians can do if the Director of Child Welfare removes (or plans to remove) their child from the home. Describes what happens at court and where to get legal help.

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.