Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo featuring the letters “d” and “a” combined to make a stylized infinity symbol in dark blue, and to the right the letters “b” and “c” combined to make a stylized infinity symbol in light blue. Below this are the words “disability alliance bc” in light blue.

I’ve Been Sexually Assaulted: Who Can I Tell? (ASL and Captions)

Disability Alliance BC
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.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover illustrated with four drawings in a horizontal panel. They depict two women; a woman with her hand on her cheek; a police woman, and a person using a phone. The Disability Alliance BC logo and the Government of BC logo are at the bottom.

I’ve Been Sexually Assaulted: Who Can I Tell?

Disability Alliance BC
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.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Is It Abuse?

Legal Aid BC
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).
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a photo of a child’s toy rabbit on its back on a swing.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents

Government of Canada
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.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

International Child Abduction (FAQ)

Government of British Columbia
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.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Immigration

Legal Aid BC
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.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

If Your Spouse Is Harassing You Through the Courts

Legal Aid BC
Includes examples of how the other person may use the legal system to harass (bother) or abuse you, and what you can do.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with one column of text and a photo of a man, a woman, and a blank outline of a child.

If Your Child Is Taken: Your Rights as a Parent

Legal Aid BC
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.
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
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, with a photo of an toddler in rainboots mostly hidden by the large umbrella they are carrying.

If You Can’t Get Legal Aid for Your Child Protection Case

Legal Aid BC
For people facing a complicated child protection hearing who have been denied legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer. Explains why you can ask for a court-appointed lawyer and how to apply. Includes forms and what to say to the judge in court.
Last reviewed March 2024