To support survivors of family violence navigating the justice system, Alberta’s government has launched the Family Violence Court Liaison program, which will simplify the court process while enhancing safety and reducing stress.
Family violence court liaisons will provide dedicated case management services to families to improve communication and coordination between different areas of court. This will help reduce stressful situations for survivors of family violence, such as having to repeatedly tell the stories of their traumatic experiences. Wraparound supports will also be provided as part of the program, including safety screening and direct referrals to community resources. To support survivors, family violence court liaisons are professionally trained in family violence, coercive control and trauma-informed practices and are committed to providing client-centred support.
“Survivors of family violence should never feel alone or overwhelmed when navigating the justice system. This program ensures survivors have someone by their side to help them feel supported and empowered to move forward.”
“Supporting survivors and all those impacted by family violence where and when they need it is a core pillar of our government’s comprehensive plan to end gender-based violence. By helping survivors navigate the justice system and providing critical wraparound services, we can ensure women and families are kept safe and get the coordinated care they deserve.”
The pilot program launched in Edmonton and Calgary this fall and is part of Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, and Family Justice Strategy, which provides supports for Albertans as they navigate family court matters.
Funding for the Family Violence Court Liaison program is being provided as part of the Government of Canada’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
“Family and gender-based violence has no place in our homes and communities. Alberta and Canada are taking action to better protect families and individuals from abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour. Alberta’s Family Violence Court Liaison program and the Government of Canada’s Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act, aim to improve support and protection for victims and survivors by equipping courts with better tools and reducing systemic delays. Working together with provincial, territorial and community partners, we strive for everyone in Canada to live free from fear and harm.”
“Survivors of family violence deserve compassionate, coordinated support as they navigate the court process. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, our federal government is investing in Alberta’s Family Violence Court Liaison program to help reduce re-traumatization and connect survivors with the supports they need.”
“When organizations work together, survivors are not left to navigate the justice system alone. This collaboration increases participation and helps allow for appropriate decisions to be made. The Family Violence Court Liaison Program strengthens coordination and ensures people receive the right support at the right time. enCompass is proud to contribute to a collaborative approach that responds to family violence with compassion and accountability.”
Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence builds on our province’s strengths – across government and with community partners – to achieve our vision of a province where every Albertan lives in safety, free from gender-based violence.
Quick facts
- The Family Violence Court Liaison program is currently scheduled to run until September 2027 with the possibility of future expansion.
- The program will accept participant referrals from internal partners such as family court counsellors and external partners such as community organizations that support victims of gender-based violence.
Related news
- Bringing family justice services to more Albertans (July 23, 2025)