Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Ottawa

Why this guide

If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence in Ottawa, free or low-cost legal help exists. This guide is your one-stop resource for Ontario restraining orders, family-law help, court self-help & duty counsel, victim services, and local nonprofits that support survivors.

1) Ontario restraining orders: the basics (Ottawa applicants)

• What it is: In Ontario, a Family Law Act restraining order can prohibit an abusive partner/ex from contacting you or coming near your home/work/children. You don’t need a lawyer to apply, but it can help. The province explains eligibility, forms, and steps. (Ontario)

• Where to apply in Ottawa: Family cases (including restraining orders) are heard at the Ottawa Courthouse, 161 Elgin Street. You can also get duty counsel help on-site via Legal Aid Ontario at this address. (Legal Aid Ontario)

• LAO “How-to” guidance: Legal Aid Ontario outlines how to choose the right courthouse and what else you can ask for (e.g., custody, support, urgent motions). (Legal Aid Ontario)

Other protection options: Depending on circumstances, police can also assist with peace bonds under the Criminal Code. Speak with Ottawa Police Service – Intimate Partner Violence or duty counsel for the right path. (ottawapolice.ca)

2) Trusted legal aid & pro bono organizations (Ottawa)

Tip: Call more than one provider—capacity can vary week to week.

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO)

• What they do: Intake for certificates (to hire a private lawyer), summary legal advice, family duty counsel. Tell LAO if abuse is involved—there are special services for survivors.

• How to reach: 1-800-668-8258 (Mon–Fri). Ottawa District Office also listed on LAO’s site. (Legal Aid Ontario)

Ottawa Family Court Duty Counsel (LAO) – at the courthouse

• Location & hours: 161 Elgin Street, Ottawa; Mon–Fri 8:30–4:30 (English/French). Offers advice, document help, and limited in-court assistance for people without a lawyer. (Legal Aid Ontario)

Community Legal Services of Ottawa (CLSO)

• What they do: Community legal clinic for low-income residents; provides free civil legal services and language interpretation (200+ languages). Can advise and refer survivors to appropriate family-law supports. (clsottawa.ca)

Pro Bono Ontario (province-wide)

• What they do: Free Legal Advice Hotline (civil matters). While it doesn’t handle family law, it can help with related civil issues (housing, employment, debts) that often accompany abuse. 1-855-255-7256 (Mon–Fri, 9–5). (probonoontario.org)

3) Family Court Support & advocacy in Ottawa

• Family Court Support Worker (FCSW) Program: Trained workers (via local victim-service agencies) help survivors navigate family court—safety planning, explaining the process, accompaniment, and referrals. Available across Ontario. In Ottawa, agencies like Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre list FCSW contacts. (Ontario)

• Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW): City-wide coalition with a directory of crisis lines, shelters, and legal/advocacy supports; includes “Get Help” guidance for survivors. (OCTEVAW)

• Ottawa Police Service (OPS) – Intimate Partner Violence & Victim Support Unit: Information on reporting, safety, and links to Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) for urgent expenses after violent crime. Non-emergency line 613-236-1222. (ottawapolice.ca)

4) Eligibility & intake: what to expect (and how to prepare)

Common eligibility filters

• Income/asset limits (for LAO certificates/community clinics)

• Case type & venue (family law in Ottawa; domestic violence context)

• Conflict checks & capacity

What to prepare (if safe)

• Safe contact info

• Evidence: texts, emails, screenshots, police/medical records

• Prior court orders

• Financial info (for LAO/clinic eligibility)

• Children’s info (if custody/parenting time involved)

After intake you may receive

• Summary advice (duty counsel/LAO)

• Full representation via LAO certificate (if eligible)

• Accompaniment & safety planning (FCSW, OPS Victim Support)

• Referrals to shelters and counselling (OCTEVAW network). (Legal Aid Ontario)

5) Step-by-step: get protection fast

1. Immediate danger? Call 911. For non-emergency police info or safety planning, contact OPS Intimate Partner Violence. (ottawapolice.ca)

2. Call Legal Aid Ontario: Identify your situation as domestic abuse; ask about a certificate and urgent duty counsel help. (Legal Aid Ontario)

3. File for a restraining order: Apply at 161 Elgin Street (Ottawa Courthouse). Use LAO’s guides to confirm forms and courthouse rules. (Legal Aid Ontario)

4. Ask for a temporary order (without notice) if you or your children are at immediate risk. Ontario’s guide explains what you can request. (Ontario)

5. Bring support: Request an FCSW to accompany you and help with safety planning and court navigation. (Ontario)

6. Prepare for the hearing: Organize evidence; get last-minute help from duty counsel at the courthouse. (Legal Aid Ontario)

7. Enforce/modify: Report violations to police; return to court for changes/renewals as needed. (ottawapolice.ca)

6) Self-help & court navigation

• Family Law Information Centre (FLIC), Ottawa Courthouse (161 Elgin): On-site info hub near the Family Court office; posted public hours and location details are commonly referenced in Ottawa resources. (Divorce the Smartway)

• LAO resources on restraining orders: Infographic and FAQs on where to file, what to include, and related family orders. (Legal Aid Ontario)

7) Practical tips to work with legal aid (and stay safe)

• State urgency clearly (recent incidents, children’s safety, stalking/coercive control).

• Ask for language access—LAO and clinics arrange interpreters. (clsottawa.ca)

• Use safe communications (alternate email/phone, private browsing).

• Pair legal steps with advocacy (FCSW, OCTEVAW network) for safety planning and court accompaniment. (Ontario)

8) Quick directory (save/share)

• Legal Aid Ontario (intake & advice): 1-800-668-8258; special services for survivors. (Legal Aid Ontario)

• Ottawa Family Court Duty Counsel (LAO): 161 Elgin St., Ottawa; (613) 238-7931; Mon–Fri 8:30–4:30. (Legal Aid Ontario)

• Community Legal Services of Ottawa: Free legal help for low-income residents; interpretation available. (clsottawa.ca)

• Family Court Support Worker Program (Ottawa contacts via local agencies): province-wide program; examples include Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre. (Ontario)

• Ottawa Police Service – Intimate Partner Violence: non-emergency 613-236-1222; Victim Support Unit & VQRP+. (ottawapolice.ca)

• OCTEVAW (Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women): citywide directory & “Get Help” page. (OCTEVAW)

• Pro Bono Ontario Hotline (civil matters): 1-855-255-7256 (M–F, 9–5). (probonoontario.org)

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for Ottawa (Ontario) and is not legal advice. Services, eligibility, and court procedures change—always confirm with the organization or court before acting.