Marjorie House can help women to access a Family Court Support Worker.

FAMILY COURT SUPPORT WORKER PROGRAM

A free and confidential service open

to all women

Funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General

The Family Court Support Program is intended to provide assistance and support to women, who have experienced intimate partner (woman abuse/domestic) violence, and are currently involved in family court proceedings or are preparing to enter the court system.

You are not alone. Family Court Workers are here to support and assist you.

The services include:

Providing information about the family court process in matters like custody, access, restraining orders, divorce, child and spousal support.
Assist in documenting the history of abuse for court purposes.
Assist women with safety planning and risk assessments.
May assist women with safety planning related to court attendances and accompany clients to court proceedings.
Assist women with lawyer referrals and the legal aid process.
· Debrief and discuss court outcomes, lawyer appointments, Family Law Information Centre meetings, consultations with duty counsel and other steps in the court process.
Communicate and advocate with other family court based services and criminal court based services.
May provide women with a needs assessment and assist to increase their access to specialized services and supports.

» » » » Separation or divorce is a difficult and often overwhelming experience. It is usually a woman’s first contact with the family court system. When a woman leaves an abusive relationship the process of separation or divorce is more complicated and the risk of violence increases. « « « «

What is intimate partner (domestic) violence?

Intimate partner violence is any act of violence, coercion or control that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial harm or suffering.

The purpose of the violence is to induce fear, intimidation, humiliation and control through verbal, non-verbal and physical means. Underlying all abuse is a power imbalance between the victim and the perpetrator. It is the intentional control of another person. Intimate partner (woman abuse/domestic violence) can occur during a relationship, during a relationship breakdown or after the relationship has ended.

Restraining orders

You can apply for a restraining order when you fear for your safety. A restraining order is a family court order and its purpose is to prevent your partner from harassing you or your children. Anyone who breaches a restraining order can be charged under the criminal code and be held for a bail hearing in criminal court. If you obtain a restraining order, keep it with you at all times and give a copy to a family member, trusted friend or neighbour (Family Court Support Worker can also keep a copy for you). Call the police when the abuser violates the order.

Services for Men

Services are available through the Catholic Family Development Centre. Please email tcamarotto@fayepeterson.org for more information.

Safety Planning

There are many questions women ask themselves when they leave an abusive relationship:

How do I get away when there is an emergency?
Where do I go when I leave?
How do I keep my children safe?
How do I stay safe in public and at work?
How do I stay in touch with people who can help me?
How can I protect my personal property?

When you leave an abusive relationship, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your children from further abuse. The FCSW can help you to develop an individualized plan to reduce the risk of future abuse. This safety plan includes ways to reduce the risk of physical violence or other harm caused by the abuser. Safety plans also include strategies to maintain basic human needs such as income, housing, health care and food. Since every woman’s situation is unique, there is no one safety plan that fits all situations. Safety plans should change as your situation changes. You will need to take different steps before leaving, after leaving and before or after the court process. The FCSW can help you to plan these steps.

Family Court Support Workers

Please contact us if you would like to receive support, assistance or additional information on the program.

Beendigen Inc.

Julie

Tel# (807) 344-9579 Ext. 21

julie@beendigen.com

____________________

Faye Peterson House

Tina

Tel# (807) 345-4681 Ext. 240

tcamarotto@fayepeterson.org

____________________

Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre

Nele

Tel# (807) 345-7802

nowcproject@tbaytel.net