You Can’t Say That in Court!27 Jun 2025

Episode 9: Family Violence: Evolution of Family Law

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Vicky are joined by Natalie Longe, Supervising Lawyer of Rise's Virtual Legal Clinic, to discuss the evolution of family law. Natalie was called to the BC bar in 1998 and has been practicing family law ever since. Prior to joining Rise, she worked as a family law advocate at a transition house in Victoria for two years. Natalie brings a diverse wealth of knowledge and experience helping survivors navigate the BC family law system, and is currently running Rise's Counsel Connect program, which provides phone calls and virtual meetings for lawyers assisting clients who have experienced family violence outside of the Lower Mainland.

This episode talks about the evolution of what we know today as the Family Law Act from the Family Relations Act of 1972 and the integration of the language of family violence in the act.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.

TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need.

MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use)

GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale

This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC

For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre

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