You Can’t Say That in Court!

Rise Women’s Legal Centre

A bi-weekly podcast that raises awareness about family violence and the challenges survivors face as they navigate the BC family legal system. The podcast collectively identifies barriers and calls for positive changes to be made for survivors across the province! Made possible with funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada.

  1. MAR 6

    S2 Episode 2: Should I have Just Stayed - Part 2

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In the second episode of Season 2, we dive deeper into the critical housing barriers with our internal guest speaker, Haley Hrymak, as she discusses the financial barriers after leaving an abusive relationship and the disconnect between Family Law remedies & housing realities. Additional Reading Materials: • Rise Full Report: https://www.womenslegalcentre.ca/publications/should-i-have-just-stayed • Rise Professional Legal Education: https://rise-professional-legal-education.thinkific.com/ • Dr. Kim Stanton's June 2025 Final Report - Independent Systemic Review: The British Columbia Legal System's Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/about-bc-justice-system/justice-reform-initiatives/systemic-review/dr_kim_stantons_june_2025_final_report_-_independent_systemic_review__the_british_columbia_legal_systems_treatment_of_intimate_partner_violence_and_sexual_violence.pdf • Dr. Kim Stanton's June 2025 Final Report - Executive Summary: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/about-bc-justice-system/justice-reform-initiatives/systemic-review/dr_kim_stantons_june_2025_final_report_-_executive_summary.pdf   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

    38 min
  2. FEB 20

    S2 Episode 1: Should I have Just Stayed - Part 1

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In the first episode of Season 2, we dive into the critical housing barriers faced by people experiencing family violence. Our internal guest speaker, Haley Hrymak, helps illuminate how housing challenges directly intersect with survivor safety. Haley’s research report, “Should I Have Just Stayed”, explores the complex experiences of survivors navigating both housing instability and the family law system. In this episode, we unpack key themes from the report—financial insecurity, ongoing housing crisis, and coercive controlling behaviours, highlighting how these factors shape a survivor’s choices and overall well-being. Join us as we shed light on the realities survivors face, the systemic gaps that worsen their situations, and the urgent need for trauma‑informed, survivor‑centered housing solutions.   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

    34 min
  3. 10/17/2025

    Episode 17: Family Law in BC: Finding a good fit with a family lawyer

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Finding the right family lawyer in BC can be tough. In this episode, we talk about why it is hard, the difference between legal aid and private lawyers, and how to find someone who is a good fit for you. Learn more in our guide, How do I Choose A Family Lawyer?: https://www.womenslegalcentre.ca/publications/how-to-choose-a-family-lawyer  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

    30 min
  4. 10/03/2025

    Episode 16: Family Law in BC: Support Workers are Working Overtime

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Support workers are a key part of BC’s family law system, but they are underpaid, overworked, and undertrained for the legal demands they are facing. From victim services to outreach and housing, they are filling critical gaps left by inaccessible legal services. In this episode, we talk about funding problems, legal challenges, and why long-term support and training are so important. 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

    25 min
  5. 09/05/2025

    Episode 14: Legal Intersections with Family Law - Bridging the Gaps

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is the final episode of a five part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky continue their conversation with Stephanie Hodgson and Melissa Klages. The five part series discusses the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). This last episode in the series ties up everything up and discusses the strategies on how to create a good support system for clients.  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

    29 min
  6. 08/22/2025

    Episode 13: Legal Intersections with Family Law - Strategic Collaborations

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is part four of a five part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky continue their conversation with Stephanie Hodgson, and Melissa Klages. The five part series discusses the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). Lawyers are not in a position to take on legal matters where they are not qualified so if there are multiple matters, there will be a different lawyer for each area of law (when a client can afford it!). This episode discusses some practical approaches lawyers can take to help when there is more than one legal issue at a time. 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

    17 min
  7. 07/25/2025

    Episode 11: Legal Intersections with Family Law - Surviving the System

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is part two of a five part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky had invited two lawyers, one who has been part of this podcast earlier - Stephanie Hodgson, and Melissa Klages, managing lawyer at Arrow law in what is colonially known Revelstoke. The five part series discusses the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). This episode discusses the complications when different areas of law become interconnected. 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

    32 min
  8. 07/11/2025

    Episode 10: Legal Intersections with Family Law -Trapped Twice

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is part one of a five part series that was recorded in 2024. Stephanie and Vicky had invited two lawyers, one who has been part of this podcast earlier - Stephanie Hodgson, and Melissa Klages, managing lawyer at Arrow law in what is colonially known Revelstoke. The five part series discusses the problems when family law overlaps with immigration, criminal and child protection law (or family policing). This episode focuses on how the overlap of different areas of law can be used as a manipulation to cause harm to survivors. Note: Stephanie Hodgson refers to family legal clinics in the episode and mentions that they are yet to open. Since recording this episode, the legal clinics have opened up.  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

    25 min

About

A bi-weekly podcast that raises awareness about family violence and the challenges survivors face as they navigate the BC family legal system. The podcast collectively identifies barriers and calls for positive changes to be made for survivors across the province! Made possible with funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada.

You Might Also Like