Free packages containing detailed notes and legal material enable staff to inform themselves, present information to clients, answer questions and provide takeaway resources. Topics range from custody and access to issues relating to sexual assault and criminal harassment. In 1999, we presented workshops on topics identified by local community agencies as important to women coping with violence. In 2000, we expanded the workshops, offering series in both English and Spanish, and added new topics. Community agency partners have encouraged the continuation and expansion of the service.
Participants give extremely positive feedback.
A logical progression is to share the knowledge and resources we have accumulated in the workshops with other organizations. In 2001 we plan to offer the Legal Information Workshops to 24 women's organizations across the province. If this expansion is successful and we can secure further funding, the distribution will continue throughout Ontario. For the expansion of the workshops, an Advisory Committee of representatives from women's organizations across the province will help review and revise the workshop material ensuring its relevancy and usefulness in their communities. We also collaborate with other legal resources when an issue falls outside our expertise.