S2 Episode 4: How Protection Orders Fail Survivors

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we continue our exploration of the challenges survivors face when leaving abusive relationships by examining the legal protections designed to keep them safe, and why these tools often fall short. We break down the landscape of criminal protection orders, including how they're meant to be customized but frequently lack meaningful survivor input, and how their effectiveness is often tied to the status of criminal proceedings. We then turn to family law protection orders, unpacking the promise of the 2013 Family Law Act reforms and the realities that have followed. Throughout the conversation, the speakers name the myths and stereotypes that persist across these systems and the enforcement challenges that leave survivors without the protection they need. This episode sets the stage for our next conversation, where we'll explore recommendations for a more coordinated, specialized approach to protection orders.

Additional Reading Materials:

• Rise’s report: Protection Orders in BC and the Urgent Need for a Specialized Process and Coordinated Reform

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

PRODUCTION: By Nithasha PremKumar

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