Navigating Safety and Risk: Intersectional Considerations in Family Law Cases Involving Gender-Based Violence and International Connections

Date: November 7, 2024, 1:00 PM ET. 

Presenters: Deepa Mattoo, Fadwa Yehia

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Family law cases involving international connections are increasingly complex, especially when gender-based violence is a factor. This webinar will address the unique challenges faced by families with ties abroad and the impact on parenting arrangements and custody decisions. We will explore how gender-based violence intersects with international family law issues, including Hague and non-Hague Convention cases, and discuss strategies for creating safe and inclusive parenting plans.

Objectives: 

• Understand the Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and International Family Law: Examine how gender-based violence impacts family law cases involving international connections, including custody and parenting arrangements.
• Navigate Hague and Non-Hague Convention Cases: Discuss the challenges and considerations in cases involving international custody disputes, with a focus on the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and other relevant frameworks.
• Develop Safe and Inclusive Parenting Plans: Learn to design parenting plans that address the needs and safety concerns of survivors of gender-based violence while considering diverse cultural contexts.
• Address Systemic Barriers in the Justice System: Identify barriers faced by marginalized families affected by gender-based violence and international issues, promoting a more inclusive and transparent family justice system.

Speakers/Panelists: 

Deepa Mattoo is a dedicated lawyer and intersectional feminist recognized for her commitment to advancing equity, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Her extensive career spans various legal and leadership roles. Since 2019, Deepa has served as the Executive Director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, overseeing multiple departments and directing the Clinic’s intervention and advocacy efforts. She has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, Parliamentary committees, and UN civil society meetings, advocating on a broad spectrum of social justice and human rights issues. In 2023, Deepa was appointed to the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC). Deepa has trained thousands of service providers to support forced marriage survivors, racialized non-status women, and clients navigating immigration law. Since 2017, she has shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School through numerous speaking engagements and interviews. Deepa's contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Spirit of Schlifer Award in 2015 and the Law Society Medal and Women of Distinction Award in 2022 for her advocacy and access to justice efforts. In 2023, she received the Ontario Bar Association Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Women's Equality and the Desi Achiever’s Award for her exceptional contributions to human rights and access to justice. In 2024, Deepa was honoured with an Honorary Degree from Humber College in recognition of her contributions to social justice and equity.

Fadwa Yehia was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2004 after obtaining her LL.B. from Osgoode Hall where she received a special designation in international, comparative and transnational law. Fadwa practices in all areas of family law, with a special focus on child-related matters including cases involving parent-child contact problems, family violence, jurisdictional and mobility disputes as well as international abduction. She has represented clients at all levels of court including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Fadwa has contributed to a variety of continuing legal education programs and dedicates her time to volunteer pursuits including as a Council Member of the Ontario Bar Association and the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, where she serves as Treasurer of the Board. Fadwa also sits on the Executive of the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association and served several years as the Vice President of the Board of Directors to the United Nations Association in Canada, Toronto Region Branch.