Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Vancouver, BC

In British Columbia, survivors of domestic violence (also called “family violence”) may need help with family law issues (custody, separation, support), protection orders, immigration / sponsorship, and safety planning. In Vancouver and nearby areas, there are public legal aid programs, nonprofit legal clinics, and advocacy organizations that provide free or low-cost legal support, especially for family law and protection orders. This guide highlights key legal resources, how they normally function, and how survivors can access them safely.

Key Legal Aid, Pro Bono & Advocacy Providers in Vancouver / BC

1. Legal Aid BC (LABC)

Role & Services:

• Legal Aid BC provides legal information, advice, and representation for low-income residents, especially in family law and child protection matters. legalaid.bc.ca+2Family Law in BC+2

• They fund Family Duty Counsel (also called “family lawyers” or “duty counsel”) in courts who provide free advice and sometimes short-term representation in family law matters. Family Law in BC

• In 2024, BC committed to a major expansion of legal aid for family violence survivors — including a new trauma-informed family law clinic with in-person and virtual services. legalaid.bc.ca+2West Coast LEAF+2

• Legal Aid BC also maintains a Legal Aid Eligibility framework; survivors of violence may receive expanded access and priority service. legalaid.bc.ca+1

How to Access:

• You can apply for legal aid by contacting Legal Aid BC via phone or through their website. legalaid.bc.ca

• If a family law issue is before court, you may ask for duty counsel at your courtroom. Family Law in BC

• As of recent reforms, more survivors of family violence will qualify for free legal representation under the expanded model. legalaid.bc.ca+1

2. Rise Women’s Legal Centre

Services:

• Rise offers free family law services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in BC who are facing family law challenges, including issues related to violence. Family Law in BC+1

• Their services include legal navigation, advocacy, limited “unbundled” legal assistance (help with parts of cases), preparing court documents, and referrals. Family Law in BC

• They operate a Community Legal Clinic for Lower Mainland residents, a Virtual Legal Clinic for those outside the Lower Mainland, and a Student Legal Clinic (supervised by lawyers). Family Law in BC

How to Access:

• Fill out Rise’s intake form (online). Family Law in BC

• Call or email their Lower Mainland or virtual clinic lines (depending on where you live). Family Law in BC

3. Access Pro Bono Society of BC

Services & Role:

• Access Pro Bono provides free legal advice clinics throughout BC, particularly for people who do not qualify for legal aid but have limited means. Family Law in BC+1

• They provide summary advice (i.e. consultative help) at community centres, social agencies, churches, courthouses, etc. Family Law in BC

• They manage a roster program matching volunteer lawyers with individuals in need of representation (when possible) and a superior courts civil duty counsel project. Family Law in BC

• Access Pro Bono also offers a Lawyer Referral Service and can facilitate consultations of up to 15 minutes free. British Columbia Government+1

How to Access:

• Call Access Pro Bono’s provincial lines:

  • Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400 Family Law in BC

  • Province-wide (toll free): 1-877-762-6664 Family Law in BC

• Ask for a pro bono roster match or summary advice appointment. Family Law in BC+1

4. Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) – Justice Centre & Legal Advocacy

Services:

• The Justice Centre at BWSS provides legal advice and representation in family law for survivors of intimate partner violence. BWSS+1

• They operate Family Law Clinics staffed by volunteer lawyers offering summary advice (i.e. legal guidance) in family law. BWSS

• BWSS may take on full legal representation files in family law, child protection, or immigration law where barriers exist (denial by legal aid, complexity, trauma, etc.). BWSS

• Their legal advocacy also includes court accompaniment, form workshops, and help drafting Supreme Court or family court documents (affidavits, desk order divorces, financial statements). BWSS

How to Access:

• Contact BWSS for intake into their Justice Centre. BWSS

• Attend their family law clinics on scheduled days (often volunteer-based). BWSS

5. Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

Services & Role:

• CLAS is a nonprofit law firm serving low- and moderate-income residents in BC, particularly in poverty law, human rights, mental health law, and other areas. CLAS+1

• Although not primarily a domestic violence clinic, CLAS may assist in related civil issues (housing, human rights, disability accommodation, etc.). CLAS

How to Access:

• Use CLAS’s “Get Legal Help” tool on their website to see if your issue qualifies for their assistance. CLAS

6. Other Local / Court-Based & Referral Options

• Family Court Protection Orders (or “Family Law Protection Orders”): In BC, if you’ve experienced family violence, you may apply for protection orders under the Family Law Act in either Provincial or Supreme Court. Family Law in BC

• Protection Order Registry: BC maintains a Protection Order Registry so police and courts have real-time access to existing protection orders. British Columbia Government

• Lawyer Referral / Unbundling: If you don’t qualify for full legal aid, you can use BC’s Lawyer Referral Service to get a free 15-minute consultation, and consider “unbundled legal services” (hiring a lawyer for part of the case). British Columbia Government+1

• Legal aid expansion for family violence: As of February 2024, BC has committed new funding for a trauma-informed family law clinic to serve survivors. legalaid.bc.ca+1

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Vancouver

1. Use a secure/private device (not accessible or monitored by the abuser).

2. Contact via a safe phone line or ask for callback — if using a shared or monitored phone, request to be called at another number.

3. Ask about remote or virtual intake — many organizations now offer online or phone intake.

4. Gather or digitize documents safely, such as:

   • Incident reports or police files

   • Photographs of injuries or damage

   • Texts, emails, screenshots, or messages showing abusive behavior

   • Any existing legal orders, custody, or immigration documents

5. Clear browser history or device logs, if safe, after visiting legal websites.

6. If meeting in person, choose neutral and public locations, go during daylight, bring a trusted person, and plan safe transport.

7. Attend court proactively — ask for duty counsel in family court if you qualify and mention your situation of violence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there a free protection order in BC for family violence?
Yes. In BC, you can apply for a family law protection order under the Family Law Act in Provincial or Supreme Court if faced with family violence. The application is free in Provincial Court. Family Law in BC+1

2. What qualifies as “family violence” under BC law?
Family violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or psychological abuse; stalking or harassment; threats; and property damage — committed by a family member (intimate partner, cohabitant, relative). Family Law in BC+1

3. Do I have to qualify financially to get legal aid help in Vancouver?
Yes. Legal Aid BC sets income / asset thresholds. However, under the newly expanded family violence legal aid model, eligibility and priorities are loosening for survivors. legalaid.bc.ca+1

4. What if Legal Aid denies me representation?
You can apply to pro bono clinics (e.g., Access Pro Bono, Rise), or ask for help through advocacy centers like BWSS. Some organizations prioritize cases where Legal Aid has denied help. BWSS+1

5. Can a lawyer help me only with part of my case (rather than full representation)?
Yes. BC supports unbundled legal services, where a lawyer takes on part of the work (e.g. drafting documents or court appearances). Family Law in BC+1

6. What should I bring to my first legal meeting or clinic appointment?
Safe items include:

• Names, addresses, and dates of birth of involved persons

• Any police or court documents

• Any medical or counselling records

• Photos or screenshots of abusive behaviour

• Notes or journal of incidents

• Any documents about children, custody, or property

• Your identification, if available

Conclusion

Vancouver and British Columbia have a growing set of legal aid, pro bono, and advocacy resources aimed at supporting survivors of family violence. Whether you need a protection order, assistance with family law, or legal navigation, these organizations can help you access safer outcomes. The legal reforms underway promise even broader access to services for survivors.