Legal and Victim Service Supports and Resources
A Note on Language
In this toolkit, we will sometimes use the word woman/women and feminine pronouns for simplicity and to recognize the significant impact technology-facilitated violence has on women and girls. We recognize that TFGBV also impacts trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people. We hope that all people impacted by TFGBV will find these documents useful.
This document provides links to legal resources across Canada that may assist you in pursuing criminal charges or a civil claim concerning technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Before contacting these resources, it will be useful to familiarise yourself with the types of legal claims you may be able to pursue related to TFGBV. For more information, see Legal Protections for TFGBV: What Laws Apply to You? and Legal Representation: An Overview.
This document contains links to Legal Information Resources, including guides, tip sheets, and other information to assist you during the legal process; Legal Representation and Advice Resources, including links to Legal Aid and other resources across Canada; and Victim Service Resources, which contain links to Victim Service agencies across Canada that may assist you with the criminal justice process.
Each of the resources listed below will have limitations in terms of the scope of the advice or information they can provide and may require certain conditions to be met (such as annual income below a certain amount) to qualify for their services. Their inclusion on this list does not guarantee that they will apply to your situation, or that attempts to receive information or advice from them will be successful.
In some cases, you may want to pursue assistance or remedies outside of the Canadian legal system. For example, before you take any formal steps to begin criminal law proceedings, consider applying to the Crime Victim Assistance Program. The program may be able to help you with certain expenses and provide support and counselling. You can apply to the program as soon as a crime against you has taken place; your abuser does not need to be arrested or charged for you to apply.
For helpful information and resources regarding support and non-legal options relating to technology-facilitated violence, see Technology Safety and Victim/Survivor Resources.
French-language legal resources are available here
National & International
Legal Information: General
- The Canadian Judicial Council has created three comprehensive handbooks for unrepresented/self-represented litigants who are preparing to go to court without the assistance of a lawyer:
- Family Violence Responses – Federal This list of federal laws and programs related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- The Policy Centre for Victim Issues provides information about the law and legal system in Canada centred on victims’ rights and roles within the legal system.
Legal Information: Technology-Facilitated Violence
- How to Archive Website: The Ultimate Guide, prepared by Stillio, describes how to archive websites, which can be used as evidence in court. Based in the USA.
- Legal Briefs: Tech-Facilitated Violence & The Law This website contains summaries of the law concerning technology-facilitated violence. Created by the eQuality Project.
- Six Best Practices for Capturing Social Media for Use as Evidence in a Court of Law This article from Law Technology Today sets out best practices for preserving digital evidence. Based in the USA.
- Technology-Facilitated Violence – Criminal Case Law This website contains links to Canadian criminal cases involving technology-facilitated violence compiled by the eQuality Project.
- Unacceptable This guide, created by the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, contains information about forms of technology-facilitated violence and options and remedies for victims of this violence.
Legal Information
- Domestic Violence Treatment Option Court The DVTO is a therapeutic court that provides an alternative to the regular court system in cases of domestic violence.
- Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) The Family Law Information Centre provides free information on family law issues and court procedures.
- Family Violence Responses – Yukon This list of laws and programs in the territory related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Find Out about the Court Process A guide to the court process in Yukon.
- Indigenous Court Worker Program This program supports fair, equitable, and culturally sensitive treatment of Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system.
- Skookum Jim Friendship Centre Women’s Legal Advocate The Women’s Legal Advocate delivers support services to Indigenous women involved in the legal system.
- Yukon Family Mediation Service This service helps parents who are separating or divorcing resolve conflict.
- Yukon Public Legal Education Association Law Line The law line operates to assist callers in identifying legal issues and provides information about how to go about resolving these issues. It does not provide legal advice.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Yukon Legal Services Society The YLSS Yukon’s legal aid service provider. If you cannot afford a lawyer, this service may be able to provide a lawyer at no or low cost.
Victim Service Resources
- Find Out about Victims’ Rights Information compiled by the Government of Yukon.
- Supports for Victims of Crime This site contains links to legal information and a variety of services and supports for victims of crime. Created by the Government of Yukon.
- VictimLinkBC This service provides 24/7 service and information to victims of crime across BC and the Yukon in up to 150 languages, including many North American Aboriginal languages. Email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca or call 1-800-563-0808.
Legal Information
- Community Court Workers Program Court workers provide legal and court-related assistance throughout the Northwest Territories.
- Family Violence Responses – Northwest Territories This list of laws and programs in the territory related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Find a Lawyer – Law Society of Northwest Territories This resource allows you to search for a lawyer by practice area, language, and/or whether they offer Pro Bono (free) legal services.
- Legal Aid Northwest Territories The legal aid program provides confidential legal services, advice, and representation by a lawyer for individuals who are unable to afford these services in certain matters.
- Outreach Legal Aid Clinics This free outreach program provides limited, confidential legal information or advice. Lawyers provide advice only, they cannot represent you in court.
Victim Service Resources
- Victim Services Contacts This list of Victim Services contacts is organized by region and maintained by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Legal Information
- Clicklaw This website provides access to a large volume of legal information and education resources across a wide variety of legal topics.
- Court orientation guides, created by the Government of British Columbia, for adult and youth witnesses.
- Dial A Law This online service provides plain-language information about a variety of legal topics in BC including family and criminal law.
- Family Violence Responses – British Columbia This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia Indigenous Justice Centres provide culturally appropriate information, advice, support, and representation directly to Indigenous people at the community level.
- Legal Help BC This website, run by the Justice Education Society of BC, provides plain-language answers to frequent questions about crime, family law, representing yourself in court, and obtaining legal assistance.
- Legal Information Outreach Workers These workers can help you find legal information and self-help resources, as well as refer you to other Legal Aid BC services.
- Supreme Court BC Online Help Guide This website provides video tutorials and other key resources designed to prepare you for civil, family, and criminal appearances in the BC Supreme Court.
- Technology Safety Project Resources – BC Society of Transition Houses The resources on this website contain information about technology safety, technology-facilitated teen dating violence, and other useful information. See also Technology Safety and Privacy Toolkit.
- VictimsInfo.ca This online resource for victims and witnesses of crimes in BC provides information and links to relevant legal resources.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Aboriginal Legal Aid BC This resource provides information about Legal Aid for Aboriginal people in BC.
- Access Pro Bono This organization runs a free lawyer referral service and several free programs serving the critical legal needs of people across BC, including a Summary Advice Program and Virtual Family Mediation Project.
- Family Duty Counsel (family lawyers) Family duty counsel help people with low incomes deal with their family law issues. You may qualify for family duty counsel even if you do not qualify for a legal aid lawyer.
- Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia These centres provide culturally appropriate information, advice, support, and representation directly to Indigenous people at the community level.
- Law Students’ Legal Advice Program This service is run by law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC, providing free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.
- Legal Aid BC You may apply for a legal aid lawyer for your family, child, criminal, or immigration/refugee matter through this website.
- Legal Aid BC – Family Law If you are involved in a family law dispute, you can determine whether you are eligible for a legal aid lawyer by contacting the Legal Aid BC Call Centre.
- Rise Women’s Legal Centre This community legal clinic serves women and gender-diverse people by providing legal services (primarily in family law) for clients who are otherwise unable to access legal help.
- Thompson Rivers University Community Legal Clinic This student-run clinic provides legal assistance to those who would otherwise be unable to afford legal services. It can assist with some criminal charges in Provincial Court and small claims matters. Located in Kamloops.
Victim Service Resources
- Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia In addition to assisting Indigenous individuals accused of crimes, this Association runs an Indigenous Family and Youth Advocate Program in Prince George intended to support Indigenous individuals involved in family law matters.
- Police-Based Victim Services Directory of police-based Victim Services, last updated in 2018.
- VictimLinkBC This service provides 24/7 service and information to victims of crime across BC and the Yukon in up to 150 languages, including many North American Aboriginal languages. Email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca or call 1-800-563-0808.
Legal Information
- Abuse & Family Violence – Canadian Legal FAQs Plain-language information about the laws regarding family violence in Alberta.
- Clare’s Law People at risk of domestic violence in Alberta have the right to obtain information about potentially harmful intimate partners. You can make an application through this website.
- Family Violence Responses – Alberta This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- LawCentral Alberta This portal contains a collection of links to law-related information and educational resources on a variety of topics.
- Legal Resources – Calgary Domestic Violence Collective Tip sheets and information on protection orders, restraining orders, no-contact orders, and more.
- WillowNet Information and fact sheets about abuse and the law in Alberta.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Calgary Legal Guidance This organization provides legal assistance, information, and support to people who would not otherwise have access to these services. They have Domestic Violence, Family Law, Sexual Assault, and Indigenous Outreach programs.
- Law Society of Alberta Lawyer Referral Service This service can help connect you with a lawyer. The first half-hour of conversation is free.
- Legal Aid Alberta Provides criminal, family, and immigration law services. You can receive free assistance in applying for an Emergency Protection Order in cases of domestic violence.
Victim Service Resources
- Calgary Crown Prosecutor’s Office – Public Assistance Unit. Provides information on court proceedings to victims and witnesses during the Criminal Justice process. 403-297-3912.
- Victim Services Alberta Police-based Victim Services in Alberta.
- Victim Services – Find a Program Near You This interactive map of Victim Services across Alberta is compiled by the government of Alberta.
Legal Information
- Courts & Legal System – PLEA Saskatchewan This site provides plain-language information about the court system and processes in Saskatchewan.
- Family Violence – FamLi This resource provides information about your legal rights and options when facing family violence in Saskatchewan.
- Family Violence Responses – Saskatchewan This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Victims – PLEA Saskatchewan This site provides information about legal responses to abusive relationships, sexual assaults, and other crimes.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- CLASSIC Legal Advice Clinic This clinic allows clients who have issues in the areas of criminal, family, or civil matters to speak to a practicing lawyer for a free advice session, usually lasting 30 minutes. These appointments assist individuals who do not have a lawyer and have been denied legal aid.
- Legal Aid Saskatchewan Legal Aid provides free legal services in criminal and family law to eligible people.
- Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan This organization provides free legal advice to low-income clients in Saskatchewan, partnering with 14 free legal clinics across the province in an attempt to fill the gap in legal services between legal aid and hiring a private lawyer.
Victim Service Resources
- Victim Service Units and Agencies This list of available Victim Services across Saskatchewan is compiled by the government of Saskatchewan.
Legal Information
- Community Legal Education Association Resources for Unrepresented Litigants On this website, you can view videos and materials about preparing your case for court.
- Family Violence Responses – Manitoba This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Law Phone-In & Lawyer Referral Program This service from the Community Legal Education Association provides general legal information and referrals to lawyers and law-related agencies.
- Legal Aid Manitoba Legal Aid Manitoba can provide a lawyer to assist with certain family, criminal, and child protection cases for qualifying individuals.
- Legal Help Centre Winnipeg This resource operates clinics and drop-in services that can assist you with legal matters including family law matters. This service is intended for those who do not qualify for Legal Aid but cannot afford a lawyer.
Victim Service Resources
- Manitoba Organization for Victim Assistance This organization is run by victims, for victims, and can provide assistance navigating the criminal justice process.
- Victim Services This website regarding victim services in Manitoba is compiled by the government of Manitoba.
Legal Information
- Family Violence Responses – Ontario This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Help with Lawyers and the Courts This information resource is created and maintained by the Ontario Women’s Justice Network.
- Restraining Order Information Sheet Produced by Legal Aid Ontario.
- Steps to Justice This website provides plain-language information about a variety of legal topics including criminal law, family law, and abuse and domestic violence.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic This clinic provides legal, counselling, and interpretation services to marginalized and racialized women who have survived violence.
- Downtown Legal Services This clinic, operated by the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto, can provide legal information and assistance, including in the areas of criminal law and family law.
- Family Justice Centre The centre hosts virtual legal clinics for Ontarians dealing with family law issues who are unable to afford a lawyer but do not qualify for legal aid. Family law lawyers supervise law students in the delivery of free unbundled legal services.
- Find a Lawyer – Legal Aid Ontario Use this resource to locate a Legal Aid lawyer in your area.
- Independent Legal Advice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Victims of sexual assault in Ontario may be eligible for up to four hours of free legal advice by phone or video conversation. This service does not include legal representation in court.
- Justice for Children and Youth Legal services for young people under 18 and homeless youth under 25 in Ontario.
- JusticeNet This service allows you to search an online directory of legal professionals according to a variety of search criteria. Requires registration.
- Law Society of Ontario Referral Service This online referral service provides a free initial consultation intended to help you determine your rights and options.
- Ontario Legal Information Centre This service provides a free 30-minute meeting with a lawyer for legal information and referral services.
- Pro Bono Ontario Legal Advice Hotline Ontarians can contact a free legal advice hotline at 1-855-255-7256.
Victim Service Resources
- Family court support workers. Victims of domestic violence going through the family court process may be eligible to get assistance from a family court support worker.
- Victim Services in Ontario – This list of Victim Services available across Ontario is maintained by the government of Ontario.
- Victim Services Directory – An online directory of Victim Services available in Ontario.
Legal Information
- Family Violence Responses – Quebec This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Justice Quebec Provides resources for couples, families, and single people related to domestic violence, sexual violence, and family law.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Justice Pro Bono Provides free legal services to individuals and non-profit organizations in need and pairs them with volunteer lawyers. Also provides volunteer legal clinics in Quebec’s Far North.
- Trouver un avocat – Barreau du Quebec Use this resource to locate a lawyer in your area.
Victim Service Resources
- CAVAC Crime Victims Assistance Centres, or CAVACs, offer front-line services to any crime victim or witness.
- SOS Violence Conjugale Offers free, bilingual, anonymous, and confidential referral services. Available 24/7 and can provide direct access to information, support or shelter.
Legal Information
- Family Violence Responses – Newfoundland and Labrador This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Public Legal Information Association of NL This website contains plain-language guides and information about a variety of legal topics including family law, criminal law, harassment, and victim support.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Lawyer Referral Service – PLAIN This website contains information about the Public Legal Information Association of NL’s lawyer referral service.
- Legal Aid Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid provides a range of legal services to low-income individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador in cases of family violence and criminal law. Must meet eligibility criteria.
Victim Service Resources
- The Journey Project This joint project between PLAIN and the Newfoundland Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Centre provides assistance for survivors of sexual assault, including assistance with the legal process.
- Victim Services A free service offered by the Department of Justice and Public Safety of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Legal Information
- Abuse and Violence – PLEIS-NB This website contains legal toolkits, information sheets, and service directories related to abuse and violence in New Brunswick.
- Family Law NB This website contains self-help guides and information about family law workshops. Family Law NB also operates a toll-free information line at 1-888-236-2444.
- Family Violence Responses – New Brunswick This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Going to Court – PLEIS-NB This website contains materials for individuals attending civil or criminal court in New Brunswick.
- Information for Victims – PLEIS-NB This website contains resources compiled by the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick for victims of crime including tips, guides, and information sheets.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- New Brunswick Legal Aid Provides assistance to low-income individuals for certain family and criminal matters.
Victim Service Resources
- Directory of Services for Victims of Abuse in First Nations Communities This Directory was compiled by the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick.
- New Brunswick Victim Services A list of contact information for regional Victim Service offices.
- Services for Victims of Crime – PLEIS-NB This website contains resources and information compiled by the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick about available services if you are a victim of crime.
- Victim Services Victim Services is available to all victims of crime in New Brunswick and can assist you as your case proceeds through the criminal justice process.
Legal Information
- CyberScan This resource assists victims of non-consensual distribution and cyberbullying who are based in Nova Scotia.
- Family Law Nova Scotia This website contains information relating to the law, processes, and services making up family law in Nova Scotia.
- Family Violence Responses – Nova Scotia This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
- Going to Court: Self-Represented Parties in Family Law Matters A guide produced by the Government of Nova Scotia.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- Cloverdale Courtwork Society This organization offers case management, court support, and other services for women appearing in criminal and family court. Based in Halifax.
- Dalhousie Legal Aid Service This service is a clinical program for law students operated by the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University that provides legal aid services for persons who would not otherwise be able to obtain legal advice or assistance.
- Legal Info Nova Scotia This website provides plain-language information about a variety of legal topics and areas of law. Legal Info Nova Scotia also operates a Lawyer Referral Service for eligible clients (not a free service).
- Nova Scotia Courts Free Legal Clinics Clinics are offered weekly in Halifax, Yarmouth, and Sydney for unrepresented litigants. If you are appearing before the Nova Scotia Supreme Court or Court of Appeal, you can book a one-hour appointment with a lawyer or law student.
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid Legal Aid provides free or low-cost legal assistance to qualifying individuals on criminal, family or social justice issues.
Victim Service Resources
- Halifax Regional Police Victim Service Program Any person who has been a victim of crime may access Victim Services.
- Victim Services The Department of Justice of Nova Scotia offers a variety of services for victims of crime including a Provincial Victim Services Program, a Child Victim/Witness Program, a Criminal Injuries Counselling Program, and a Victim Impact Statement Program.
Legal Information
- Community Legal Information PEI This website contains information and plain-language guides relating to criminal law, family law, and other topics. They also publish guides for going to court, operate an inquiry line, and have a Lawyer Referral Service.
- Family Violence Responses – Prince Edward Island This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
Legal Representation and Advice Resources
- PEI Community Legal Information Lawyer Referral Service This service can connect you with a lawyer who will provide a legal consultation of up to 45 minutes for $25.00.
- Prince Edward Island Legal Aid This program provides legal representation and assistance to low-income individuals who have serious legal needs in the areas of criminal law, youth criminal justice, and family and civil law.
- RISE This service provides support for victims of sexual or intimate partner violence and workplace sexual harassment, including up to four hours of free legal advice, plain-language legal information, support navigating the justice system, and referrals to other community services.
Victim Service Resources
- PEI Victim Services Victims of crimes anywhere on PEI can access Victim Services, which assists victims with involvement in the criminal justice system
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) is part of a continuum of violence that can be both online and in-person. If you or someone you know is experiencing TFGBV, you are not alone. You can use sheltersafe.ca to find a shelter/transition house near you or call/text the Kids Help Phone to discuss options and create a safety plan. You don’t need to stay in a shelter to access free, confidential services and support.
We gratefully acknowledge Moira Aikenhead for the creation of this resource guide.