New from Legal Services: Booklet on Surviving Relationship Violence and New Fact Sheet for Aboriginal People

Among the new resources on Clicklaw are two new publications from Legal Services Society, as well as updates of two of their more popular titles.

• Surviving Relationship Violence and Abuse

  

  This new booklet, which replaces the booklet Speaking of Abuse: Violence Against Women in Relationships, is written for advocates, support workers and others who support women who are being abused. It outlines what abuse is from a legal perspective and what a woman’s legal rights are if she is in an abusive relationship. It explains what women can do to protect themselves and their children, and the kind of help they can get.

• Are You Aboriginal? Do You Have a Bail Hearing? Are You Being Sentenced for a Crime? Do You Know About First Nations Court?
  This new fact sheet provides an overview of Gladue rights, which are rights under the Criminal Code that apply to anyone who self-identifies as Aboriginal. The fact sheet explains what these rights mean for Aboriginal people who have a bail hearing or are being sentenced for a crime. The fact sheet also provides information about the First Nations court in New Westminster. 

As well, two of our favourite publications have been updated:

• Consumer Law and Credit/Debt Law

  

  A manual for paralegals, legal information counsellors, and lawyers that covers 45 topics, including consumer contracts, bankruptcy, creditors, debtors, fraud, leases, mortgages and foreclosure, prepayment rights, recovery of goods, and torts of assault and trespass. Also provides consumer and debtor resources. This 200 page manual takes a problem solving approach, identifying potential client problems and summarizing the applicable law and options available for the client.

• Your Welfare Rights: A Guide to BC Employment and Assistance  
  Explains who is eligible for welfare, how to apply for welfare, what benefits are available, your responsibilities while on welfare, how to appeal a decision about your benefits, and how to get more information or help.