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!

  1. Oct 9

    S3 E2: Diagnosing the Family Law System - Part II

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, hosts Vicky Law and Stephanie Melnyk continue diagnosing the family law system by exploring a simple but important question: how do people know when they have a legal problem, and where do they go for help? Using the healthcare system as a point of comparison, they discuss the challenges many people face after separation, when concerns about housing, children, finances, and safety can quickly become overwhelming. With limited resources and little guidance, individuals are often left to navigate a complex legal system on their own. Join us as we continue diagnosing the family law system and ask what better support might look like for those trying to find their way through it. 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: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are @RiseWomensLegal on all platforms. 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.

  2. Sep 25

    S3 E1: Diagnosing the Family Law System - Part I

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: What if we approached family law the way we approach healthcare? In this first episode of a new season, hosts Vicky Law and Stephanie Melnyk introduce a thought-provoking comparison between the healthcare and family law systems. When a health concern arises, no one expects people to diagnose themselves, understand complex medical information on their own, or navigate treatment options without support. Yet in family law, many individuals are expected to do exactly that. The hosts explore the challenges people face when trying to access legal information, obtain timely legal advice, and navigate a system that can feel overwhelming and fragmented. They discuss the gaps in support, the consequences of self-navigation, and what family law might learn from a more coordinated, client-centred model of care. This episode lays the foundation for a multi-part conversation examining how healthcare concepts such as diagnosis, triage, early intervention, and coordinated care can help us better understand what is working, and what is missing, in the family law system today. Join us as we begin diagnosing the family law system.   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: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are @RiseWomensLegal on all platforms.   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.

  3. Sep 23

    S2 E8: Impact of Ahluwalia on Survivors

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we unpack Ahluwalia, a landmark case that reshaped the legal landscape of Family law, starting with the background of the case and how it made its way through the courts. We examine how myths and stereotypes in family law influenced the legal analysis. We then break down why the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a new tort, what that means in practice, and why it matters. Finally, we zoom out to discuss the access to justice issues this decision raises and what it could mean for future claims.   Additional Reading Materials: Supreme Court of Canada decision - Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16 Rise Intervention-Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia Rise’s letter to clients: https://www.womenslegalcentre.ca/s/2026-05-15-Ahluwalia-decision-letter-to-our-clients.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: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are @RiseWomensLegal on all platforms.   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.

  4. Sep 23

    S2 E9: Decolonizing Family Law - Part 1

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This episode is the first of a two‑part conversation on decolonizing family law. We begin by grounding ourselves in key concepts that shape what it means to decolonize family law and legal practice. We unpack decolonization as an ongoing process, rooted in cultural humility and a willingness to move forward even when we don’t have perfect answers. The conversation explores the differences between colonial legal systems and Indigenous legal traditions, leading to fundamentally different understandings of justice and why acknowledging the limits and harms of the colonial system is a necessary step towards a more equitable, trauma‑informed approaches.   ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS: Decolonizing Family Law through trauma-informed practices report Myrna McCallum’s podcast, The Trauma-Informed Lawyer: https://thetraumainformedlawyer.simplecast.com/     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: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are @RiseWomensLegal on all platforms.   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.

  5. Sep 23

    S2 E10: Decolonizing Family Law - Part 2

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In the second episode of this two‑part series, we turn our focus to trauma‑informed legal practice and what it looks like in action. The conversation explores how legal spaces can offer safety rather than reproduce harm, emphasizing the importance of meaningful supports, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to “do no further harm.” We also reflect on the realities of vicarious trauma for those working within these systems, alongside the possibility of vicarious resilience. Together, these themes point toward legal practices that are not only more humane, but more effective for survivors and those who support them.   ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS: Decolonizing Family Law through trauma-informed practices report: https://www.womenslegalcentre.ca/publications/decolonizing-family-law-through-trauma-informed-practices Myrna McCallum’s podcast, The Trauma-Informed Lawyer: https://thetraumainformedlawyer.simplecast.com/ Harvard “Implicit Association Test” https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/   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: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are@RiseWomensLegal on all platforms.   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.

  6. Jul 10

    S2 E11: Why is Family Violence Training Important?

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In the final episode of season 2, we explore the contradiction at the heart of family violence work: despite the complexity and high stakes of these cases, there is often no requirement for specialized education or training. We examine why the anti‑violence sector continues to emphasize training, including the need to challenge persistent myths, stereotypes, and widely held misconceptions about gender‑based violence. Through personal reflections and professional experience of the hosts, the conversation highlights the ongoing process of unlearning harmful societal narratives and building a more informed understanding of family violence.  ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS: - Rise Professional Legal Education: https://riselegaleducation.ca/   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: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: Nithasha PremKumar   If you enjoy listening to our podcasts, please consider making a donation to support our work. We are a registered charity that is dedicated to improving access to justice in BC for women and gender‑diverse people. Donate via womenslegalcentre.ca/donate If you like our podcast, please share it with your network. Keep up to date with the latest episodes by following Rise on social media. We are @RiseWomensLegal on all platforms. 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.

  7. May 15

    S2 E7: Courtroom Innovation

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: From courtroom hallways to virtual hearings, the justice system has changed, but should access to court be one-size-fits-all? In this episode, we explore the evolving methods of court appearance, tracing how virtual court became a necessity during COVID-19 and why flexibility remains critical today. We discuss the benefits, challenges, and real-world impacts of in-person, virtual, and hybrid hearings. Additional Reading Materials: Building Inclusive and Accessible Family Justice: Practical Approaches to Innovate Family Law Systems in BC’s Rural and Remote Communities 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: Melanie Ligale PRODUCTION: 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

  8. May 8

    S2 E6: How Safe are Courthouses?

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Past research from Rise highlighted how attending court in person can be unsafe for survivors of violence. In this episode, we move into the next phase of that work, sharing both general trends and specific findings from Rise’s latest research. We discuss what has changed, what risks remain, and what these findings reveal about survivor safety, access, and accountability within the family law system. Additional Reading Materials: Court House Safety Report: Access, Safety, and Regional Context: A Comprehensive Assessment of BC Court Locations   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

See All (31)

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Rise Women’s Legal Centre
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    You Can’t Say That in Court!