There was an increase in intimate partner incidents across Canada during the pandemic
The British Columbia government has announced a $1-million funding boost for Rise Women's Legal Centre, aimed at providing more low-income women and gender-diverse people access to free legal services.
Rise is a community legal clinic and teaching facility that provides free in-person and virtual legal services for protection orders, divorce or separation, parenting arrangements, and spousal support to more than 1,700 women and gender-diverse people each year. They also provide training and support for other anti-violence and community support workers and research to inform policy and systemic change in the family law system.
The BC government reported in a press release that there was an increase in intimate partner violence across Canada during the pandemic. In addition, gender-based violence remains prevalent in BC as people are often reluctant to pursue legal action against an abuser or leave an unhealthy relationship because they do not know their legal rights or the free resources available.
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"Going through a separation or divorce can be very challenging, and if you are low-income and experiencing intimate partner violence, taking that step can seem incredibly daunting," BC Attorney General Niki Sharma said. "This funding will help make it easier for more women taking this critical step to get the supports they need."
Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Kelli Paddon emphasized the importance of supporting survivors of gender-based violence to help them through their emotional and psychological trauma. She further said that free legal and educational resources would help prevent future victims of gender-based violence.
The new funding will support Rise's initiatives, such as the recommendations outlined in the Creating Safety in BC Courts report, offering legal advice services and supports to family law advocates and support workers, and assisting counsel in complex cases or conflicts of interest. Rise also collaborates with community partners in over 30 communities.
Rise's executive director Kim Hawkins, commented, "Many women come to us during the worst time of their lives. This funding will help us help more women get the resolution and support they need to build a better life for themselves and their families."
