This presentation is part of the 5th Annual Bridging Communities Conference: Finding Connection and Building Communities in a Virtual Environment. Ticket price includes access to all Bridging Communities speakers throughout the month of November including the keynote on November 24, 2020.
Victims of domestic violence and abuse are at the mercy of a justice system still rife with misunderstanding and ignorance around their experience. At times, individuals may find it so impossible to navigate the family justice system or to get the help when they need it that they remain in the abusive relationship, which can have disastrous consequences up to and including homicide. These matters create significant risk and suffering to clients and children, heavy resource burden, and overall systemic drain.
Alberta continues to be identified as the Canadian province with one of the highest rates of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Family Law Program helps to address a dangerous gap in legal services for these vulnerable people. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the way in which the DVFL Program, and the justice system at large, support victims of domestic violence and abuse. The presenters will discuss how changes to programming and telephone evaluation have mitigated barriers for victims of violence and abuse in meeting their legal needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing in a virtual setting.
Presenters will support capacity building of sector professionals through a discussion of current trends in the family law sector, resources available to victims seeking legal support, as well as services available through the DVFL program.
Speaker: Melina de Koninck, Calgary Legal Guidance