In the Family

Is a family member trying to control your behaviour by using intimidation, physical force, finances, manipulation or guilt? The following resources provide information on abuse and violence that occurs between family members who may or may not live in the same household. Some are specifically about child abuse, elder abuse or spousal abuse.

The resources on this page were hand-picked by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta's staff as a good place to start.

 


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

The purpose of this site is to provide plain language information about the law to victims of violence in intimate relationships and their supporters. Willownet provides legal information that may help you if you are experiencing violence in a relationship. The site has information that is helpful on: facts about abuse, effects of relationship violence, what the law says about abuse, leaving the relationship safely (safety plan), taking your kids with you, pets, Protective Orders (EPOs, KBPOs) and going to court. The site also provides links to other family violence resources.

Related legal topic(s): Bullying, Child abuse, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Protective orders, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Spousal abuse

This online tutorial was created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. There are several different kinds of protective orders. Some are available under federal law (the Criminal Code of Canada); some are available under provincial laws. If you have been abused and want the abuser to stay away from you, you can apply for protective court orders. These court orders tell the abuser to stay away. If the abuser then does not stay away, he or she can be punished.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Legal process, Protective orders

These two online tutorials were created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. The first covers making a report to the police; what will they do; and what you may have to do. The second explains what else may happen for the accused.

Related legal topic(s): Criminal law general resources, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Legal process, Police

This online resource is provided by Willownet, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. This resource includes information about restraining orders in emergency and non-emergency situations, as well as the process of getting a restraining order, and the steps to take after applying for a restraining order.

Related legal topic(s): Relationship violence, Spousal abuse

Today Family Violence Help Centre is an Edmonton based, non-profit organization that offers a safe place for individuals victimized by family violence to access free, confidential, emotional and practical support. Today Centre provides short-term support through risk assessment, safety planning, assessment of immediate needs, and supported referrals.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Spousal abuse

Alberta Resources

This website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) focuses on how Canadian law protects and affects older adults. Topic areas covered include elder abuse, planning for the future, personal and family relationships, and various other issues (e.g. consumer, travel).

Related legal topic(s): Consumer protection and fraud, Elder abuse, Family law general resources, Guardianship and trusteeship, Wills and estates

This publication from Alberta Children and Youth Services (Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Unit) explains the nature of abuse of persons with disabilites. It then describes what you can do if you realize that you are in an abusive relationship or you are concerned about a friend who may be in such a situation. (PDF – 15 pages)

Related legal topic(s): Disabilities, Family violence general resources

The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network is a province-wide network of professionals dedicated to increasing community awareness around elder abuse and the resources available to address it. The network is comprised of representatives from communities across Alberta.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse

This article was prepared for the Centre`s for Excellence for Child-Wellbeing as an overview of child welfare in Alberta.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse

This online resource is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: What is Assault?, Intent, Consent, Self-Defence, Legal Options Available to the Victim, and Self-Referral Numbers. This resource is also available for download as a PDF (6 pgs)..

Related legal topic(s): Crimes and offences, Sexual assault, Victim support and victim rights

A resource for support workers and community advocates to help women to better understand the law around child welfare. It was produced by the VAW Legal Information Resource: Supporting Aboriginal Women Facing Violence project as an on-line legal information resource

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Family violence general resources, Legal process

Calgary Counselling Centre is a charitable organization committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable counselling services to Calgarians. They offer counselling and group programs for individuals, couples, parents, families, and youth to help them resolve emotional and social problems. In addition to its may group and individual program services the Centre also offers a Male Domestic Abuse Outreach Program which provides counselling, advocacy, social service referrals (housing, financial aid, legal guidance, support) to men and their families experiencing domestic abuse of all forms.

Related legal topic(s): Divorce and separation, Drugs and alcohol, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Health issues, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment

The Calgary Domestic Violence Collective’s  purpose is threefold: to develop capacity to address domestic violence for professionals and allied professionals; to inform and influence decision makers around a framework for ending domestic violence; to ensure a collaborative and coordinated community response to domestic violence in Calgary and Area. Their website includes research reports on a variety of aspects of domestic violence. (Former name: Alliance to End Violence)

Related legal topic(s): Family violence general resources, Research reports and institutes, Spousal abuse

This section of the Government of Alberta: Children and Families website offers services, supports and resources to protect children and youth from harmful situations. 

Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Child abuse, Family law general resources, Family violence general resources, Victim support and victim rights

A series of 4 videos which provide information on children at risk and child apprehension. (family enhancement agreement, apprehension, child abuse complaint in Alberta, and biological parents and apprehension)

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Custody and access

This online resource is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: What is the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act?; General Information; Appeals; Frequently Asked Questions. This resource is also available for download as a PDF.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse

This information page is prepared by Calgary Legal Guidance discusses the protection of children under the Child Welfare Act. Where a child is suspected of abuse or neglect, the matter must be reported to protective services. The Child Welfare Act requires that anyone who reasonably suspects that the “survival, security or development of a child is endangered” must report the matter. Examples of abuse and neglect include physical abuse, cruel treatment, improper care, food or medical attention, abandonment and an inability to control the child.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Family law general resources

Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV) is committed to strengthening Edmonton's capacity to take constructive action against family violence and bullying using innovative strategies that will support the creation of a collaborative, coordinated, community response to family violence and bullying.

Related legal topic(s): Bullying, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources

The Women’s Resource Centre was born on March 10, 1984 with goals of referring women to the appropriate agencies to gain assistance, as well as having drop-in hours. The Centre has a resource library, implements social programs and assists those in need through their thrift store and various services.

Related legal topic(s): Bullying, Family violence general resources

Free Domestic Violence resource that CPLEA offers that are available in either Print or as a Download. 

These resources provide general legal information to those dealing with Domestic Violence in Alberta. These material do NOT provide legal advice! 

Related legal topic(s): Family violence general resources, Protective orders, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Spousal abuse, Victim support and victim rights

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