Public Legal Education at the Justice Centre at BWSS

The Justice Centre at BWSS provides critical public legal education for frontline workers, legal advocates, and support workers assisting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). While the legal system is often seen as a pathway to justice, it remains deeply shaped by colonial and patriarchal structures that were not designed to protect women, particularly Black, Indigenous, and racialized survivors of violence. Navigating these systems can be overwhelming, and justice is often out of reach due to systemic biases that intersect across race, gender, and immigration status.

Survivors of IPV frequently face legal challenges across multiple areas, including:

• Family Law – securing protection orders, parenting arrangements, and financial support
• Immigration Law – obtaining legal status, work permits, and protection for women without status
• Criminal Law – navigating the justice system as complainants or accused persons
• Child Protection – addressing child welfare concerns while ensuring survivor and child safety

Recognizing the racial and gendered barriers within these legal frameworks, our workshops are designed to strengthen advocacy efforts by equipping frontline workers with the knowledge and tools needed to support survivors effectively. Beginning in April 2025, these sessions will be facilitated by the Justice Centre at BWSS team and supervised by experienced lawyers in each area of law, ensuring a nuanced understanding of how legal systems impact survivors of IPV.

Through education, advocacy, and systemic change, we aim to challenge the injustices embedded in the legal system and support survivors in using the law as a tool for safety, resistance, and justice.

Stay tuned for a legal education and information written guide as a print resource designed for frontline workers in British Columbia.

Learn how to effectively prepare a Protection Order application under the Family Law Act in Provincial and Supreme Court. A well-drafted application is crucial for success, ensuring legal protection for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and family violence.

This workshop outlines the process for securing a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) and an Open Work Permit for victims of family violence. A successful application is essential to gaining legal status and financial independence while seeking safety in Canada.

Strong, well-organized evidence is key to success in a family law trial. This workshop helps you gather, present, and document your evidence effectively to support your case, whether it involves parenting arrangements, support, or family violence claims.

This workshop provides essential information for legal and support workers assisting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) through the immigration hearing process. Learn about key procedures, evidence preparation, and legal rights to help clients navigate hearings for refugee claims, admissibility, or appeals.

This workshop helps legal and support workers navigate the process of preparing short notice and no notice applications in family law cases, including those involving intimate partner violence (IPV). Learn key legal requirements, drafting techniques, and strategies for securing urgent court orders effectively.

This workshop is designed for legal and support workers assisting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in preparing effective police statements and third-party reports. Learn best practices for documenting incidents, protecting survivor privacy, and ensuring statements support legal and safety outcomes.