Access to Justice
Women’s safety, security and wellbeing depend on a justice system that works for them.
YWCA Metro Vancouver is committed to advancing gender equality through access to justice so all women can assert their social, economic, cultural, political and civil rights.
-
Legal aid in BC is chronically under-funded, leaving many women who are seeking safety for themselves and their children to navigate the legal system without a lawyer.
-
Women accessing the justice system face economic and systemic barriers like gender bias and stereotypes and a lack of trauma-informed supports.
-
Abusers often use the justice system to continue their abuse or harassment, putting women and their children at risk.
-
Timely and responsive access to justice is fundamental to supporting women’s safety, security and economic security.
-
We advocate for legal reforms and publicly funded legal aid to better support women who have experienced violence.
-
We raise awareness on equality rights for women.
-
We partner with government and organizations on innovative projects related to justice and equality rights.
-
We provide free legal representation to women living in our housing communities.
-
We provide education and assistance to women through our Legal Education program.
