Fraser MacLean explains the definition of Family Violence under the B.C. Family Law Act (the “FLA”).
Prince Rupert Divorce and Family Lawyers and Kitimat family lawyers handle all types of family law matters including divorce, separation, child custody, child and spousal support, and family property and debt division. Our top-rated Family Violence Protection Lawyers also help prevent and stop family violence.
Prince Rupert Divorce and Family Lawyers 1 877 602 9900
When the COVID-19 pandemic commenced and province-wide restrictions were imposed, many of us felt for the lack of a better word, trapped. At first, we were unable to attend our favourite Vancouver, Kelowna, Surrey and Prince Rupert haunts and we were all stuck ordering take-out. Following this, we were unable to meet with our friends and family in person and had to resort to technology to spend time with loved ones. During March and well into June of 2020, Vancouver and most cities throughout BC including Prince Rupert were for all intents and purposes, ghost towns. It was unsettling, looking down at the streets of what only a few weeks before, had been a vibrant and animated city. For many of us, this reality –or new normal as reporting agencies were calling it, appeared to be the end of the world as we knew it.
Family Violence Protection Lawyers 1 877 602 9900
Now, imagine facing the adversities stated in the paragraph above and all the while, you are residing with your abuser. Perhaps you don’t have any friends that you can reach out to, or perhaps you cannot speak English and so are unable to seek help from authorities. For many victims of domestic violence, the lock-down empowered and enabled their abusers more than ever before. A national survey carried out by Ending Violence Association of Canada and Anova from May 18 to July 20, 2020, found that at the height of the nation-wide lockdown in Canada, gender-based violence was more frequent and often more severe. Isolation emboldened abusers, and as a result of this, their tactics became more violent, and were oftentimes, lethal.
In today’s blog, lawyer Fraser MacLean explains the definition of Family Violence under the B.C. Family Law Act (the “FLA”). MacLean Law has served clients throughout British Columbia, including Prince Rupert and Kitimat for over 40+ years.
Our Prince Rupert family lawyers, paralegals and Kitimat family lawyers explain that The FLA defines family violence broadly, as it can manifest in both physical and non-physical ways. Non-physical forms of abuse include but are not limited to, intimidation, harassment, and financial sabotage which all constitute actions that can evoke fear in the receiver. Some physical manifestations of family violence include but are not limited to, physical abuse of a family member such as depriving said family member of the necessities of life, confinement, sexual abuse or attempts at sexual abuse, and so forth.
One can imagine the effects that social distancing, isolation, and the lockdowns have had on victims of domestic violence, many of which are women on the receiving end of intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. Referred to by advocates as the “shadow pandemic”, in remote areas of British Columbia like Kitimat and Prince Rupert, the effects of domestic violence leave victims isolated from not only the threat of COVID-19 but the access to legal recourse and resources as well. With the holidays just having ended and the unforgiving winter months quickly approaching, you must reach out to both the local authorities and a lawyer experienced in family law should you find yourself experiencing domestic violence at the hands of an abuser. If you or a family member are the victims of family violence, our Kitimat family lawyers can help.
Prince Rupert Divorce and Family Lawyers 1 877 602 9900
MacLean Law is one of Canada’s most trusted, and experienced family law firms. For over 40+ years, MacLean Law has represented clients throughout British Columbia and across Canada. MacLean Law was founded in 1983 by Lorne MacLean, Q.C. and voted as Vancouver’s Top Family Law Firm in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Our lawyers have been named leading Canadian family lawyers and Top 25 Canadian lawyers. If you need help with bringing or defending against domestic abuse or family violence matter, contact our office today. Our Family Violence Protection Lawyers are readily available for phone or video consultations and can assist you with all family matters. Call one of our top Prince Rupert Divorce and Family Lawyers today at 1-877-602-9900.
