Extending support for survivors of partner violence in family justice system

Press Release

April 27, 2026

VICTORIA –

Summary

• The Safe Supports Project helps people affected by intimate partner violence navigate family law processes in rural, remote and northern communities in B.C.
• People receive help understanding the nuances of their cases and the legal options available, obtain court documents and protection orders, and other services
• Federal funding supporting the pilot stage expired in March 2026; provincial funding is extending the project until March 2028

Survivors of intimate-partner violence in rural, remote and northern B.C. will continue to have access to crucial support services as they navigate the family law system, thanks to additional funding.

“Too often, family court processes retraumatize or inflict further harm upon survivors of intimate partner violence, worsening their isolation and stress,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “This is especially true in rural and remote areas that are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence and under-served by our legal system. The Safe Supports Project provides crucial assistance at some of the most difficult times of people’s lives.”

The Safe Supports Project serves victims of intimate partner violence with matters in Provincial Court in the Robson Valley, Dawson Creek and the Smithers/Hazelton area. Initially supported by a grant from the federal government’s Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, the project was set to end in March 2026. However, additional provincial funding was secured to extend the project until March 2028 while the Province continues to explore alternate funding for further extension and expansion.

About the Safe Supports Project

The Safe Supports Project was launched in January 2022 in response to feedback from survivors and service providers that identified gaps in the assistance available to people who had experienced intimate-partner violence as they navigate family law matters in court. These gaps and the social, cultural, economic and geographic barriers faced by many have contributed to a general lack of trust in and reluctance to engage with the justice system.

Challenges identified included safety risks, trauma, information gaps, complex court processes and difficulties accessing legal and community services, especially in rural and northern B.C., where local resources are limited.

The Safe Supports Project was designed to address these problems by offering legal and non‑legal assistance before, during and after court proceedings. Types of support include helping people get accurate information about their cases and connect with appropriate legal and community services. This support is delivered through:

• Three family court support workers embedded within local anti‑violence organizations who provide safety planning, help with managing cases and navigating the system, accompaniment for clients’ court appearances and aftercare.
• One information gatherer, housed within the Ministry of Attorney General’s Court Services Branch, who helps survivors access their own court records across family, criminal and child-protection proceedings, reducing stress and ensuring relevant information is available for decision‑making.

The Aunties Program – a focused version of the support workers role for Indigenous people – was piloted under the Safe Supports Project. The program will now be administered by the BC First Nations Justice Council’s Indigenous Justice Centres.

“Navigating the family court system can be another barrier for people already traumatized by intimate partner violence,” said Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. “Additional funding for the Safe Supports Project will help more survivors access help, reduce stress and be supported throughout the legal process and beyond.”

Impact of the Safe Supports Project

Evaluations of the project found that between March 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, it:

• supported 160 survivors in small and medium-sized centres, primarily in northern and remote regions
• responded to 750 requests for family-law-related support, including parenting arrangements, child support and protection orders
• provided 441 referrals to legal services, such as legal aid, Family Justice Centres and family law advocates
• attended 88 legal meetings and provided 47 accompaniments to Provincial Court
• made 309 referrals to non-legal supports like counselling, housing, income and health services

Overall, feedback from survivors who used the Safe Supports Project has been positive. Many reported feeling safer, empowered and more willing to pursue their family law matters. They said the support workers helped them:

• develop or update written safety plans, while sharing practical safety tips
• obtain protection orders
• feel safer when making court appearances that might involve facing their abuser
• better understand their own case and the legal options available to them
• find relevant court information more easily
• decode complex legal terms and court procedures
• manage complicated paperwork
• feel more confident and less overwhelmed with the process
• better prepare for legal proceedings
• co-ordinate transportation to court and legal appointments outside their communities.

Local organizations providing support services also noted that the Safe Supports Project has helped them bridge gaps in legal support available in rural and remote areas, such as shortages of lawyers, limited transportation options and infrequent court sittings. Host organizations where family court support workers were embedded also reported that the program helped them improve their service delivery more broadly. It also strengthened local support networks working to address intimate-partner violence and access to justice issues by fostering greater inter-agency collaboration.

The Safe Supports Project is part of government’s broader work to support victims of gender-based violence and expand access to justice. It complements other initiatives, such as the Early Resolution Process, Family Law Act Modernization Project and the Intimate Images Protection Act.

Quotes

Kim Stanton, lawyer and independent reviewer, Stanton Report –

“The Safe Supports program fills a considerable gap in the supports available to survivors. It is one of the positive, promising and necessary actions that the Province has taken to improve legal responses and support services for intimate-partner violence and sexual violence in British Columbia.”

Carol Seychuk, executive director, Northern Society for Domestic Peace –

“For those navigating the family law system, having someone who listens, understands and consistently advocates for their safety and voice is important to help them find the courage to keep going. The Safe Supports Project provides informed, accessible support, which is particularly meaningful given the limited services and resources in our northern rural communities. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Province on this important project that is helping so many in our community.”

Jana MacMaster, executive director, Robson Valley Community Services –

“Through the Safe Supports Project, our staff are equipped to provide comprehensive services and consistent supportive guidance with family court matters during times of transition, uncertainty and vulnerability, with compassion and care. Our work strengthens safety, confidence and independence. Clients are connected to essential resources that support lasting, positive change.”

Contact:

Ministry of Attorney General
Media Relations
250-415-0474

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