Last Updated: Nov 6, 2014
MOTHERS WITHOUT STATUS LEGAL PROJECT
by Lisa Rupert & Chantelle Krish
by Lisa Rupert & Chantelle Krish
ABSTRACT
The YWCA Metro Vancouver Mothers Without Legal Status (MWLS) helps women who have left abusive relationships and find themselves without legal status after their ex-partners cancel their sponsorships for permanent residence. Their children cannot be removed from this jurisdiction due to family court issues.
Examining gaps between immigration and family law, the YWCA has made progress on influencing policy to support mothers without legal status which includes access to income assistance, affordable housing and education for their children. While some progress has been made, there is still much to be done for these women to ensure they have real options for leaving their abuser.
The YWCA Metro Vancouver Mothers Without Legal Status (MWLS) helps women who have left abusive relationships and find themselves without legal status after their ex-partners cancel their sponsorships for permanent residence. Their children cannot be removed from this jurisdiction due to family court issues.
Examining gaps between immigration and family law, the YWCA has made progress on influencing policy to support mothers without legal status which includes access to income assistance, affordable housing and education for their children. While some progress has been made, there is still much to be done for these women to ensure they have real options for leaving their abuser.
Lisa Rupert
Director of Housing YWCA Metro Vancouver Vancouver With more than 20 years of front-line and management experience working in housing and violence prevention, Lisa Rupert has made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of women and families across Metro Vancouver. Currently, she isthe director of housing at YWCA Metro Vancouver, where she oversees seven housing communities for more than 430 low-income single mothers and their children. Throughout her career, Lisa has worked on projects that have influenced policies to support women leaving abuse. Through a collaborative approach and ongoing advocacy for the clients she serves, Lisa has created and implemented programs, facilitated workshops, been an active media spokesperson and a dedicated volunteer on housing and violence prevention services across Metro Vancouver. Website: ywcavan.org Twitter: @YWCAVAN Facebook: facebook.com/YWCAMetroVancouver |
Chantelle Krish
Manager, Advocacy, and Public Relations YWCA Metro Vancouver Vancouver With a passion for social justice and communications, Chantelle understands the important connection between public opinion and public policy. Her experience in communications and advocacy in the private and non-profit sector has enabled her to successfully connect with multiple stakeholders and raise awareness on issues affecting some of the most vulnerable populations across Canada. In addition to being a media spokesperson for the YWCA Metro Vancouver on issues affecting women and families across Canada, she has developed campaigns highlighting the high prevalence of violence against women in society and been successful in affecting policies to support marginalized women and their families leaving abusive relationships. Website: ywcavan.org Twitter: @YWCAVAN Facebook: facebook.com/YWCAMetroVancouver |