The Centre for Family Equity welcomes news of last week’s landmark ruling in Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia where the Supreme Court of Canada created a new tort of intimate partner violence. 

Survivors now have a broader and well-defined pathway to sue for damages arising from harms they experienced over the course of a relationship. The Court's decision explicitly recognizes that abuse is rarely only physical: it often includes coercive control, financial abuse, isolation and intimidation.

At the heart of this ruling is Kuldeep Ahluwalia. A survivor of years of coercive control, she courageously chose to use her lived experience to fight for justice and safety —  for herself, and for every survivor who comes after her.  

Enormous gratitude and recognition to all the interveners who helped shape this decision including West Coast LEAF, Rise Women's Legal Centre and BWSS. Their advocacy on IPV myths and stereotypes was cited directly by the Court.  

For women and families living at the intersection of gender-based violence and poverty — the families we walk alongside every day — this ruling matters deeply. The decision validates the full spectrum of survivors' experiences of profound harm. And it opens the door to financial independence and long-term economic outcomes for survivors of family violence.  

This is the kind of systems change the Centre for Family Equity believes in. We are honoured to witness it. It strengthens our resolve to continue our own work to ensure access to justice and legal aid in BC's family law system for survivors who are living below the poverty line.