Caitlin Ohama-Darcus to Speak at YWCA BC AGM on Historic Supreme Court Ruling

Lawson Lundell, in partnership with YWCA BC, is pleased to highlight the upcoming YWCA Annual General Meeting featuring a special discussion on Canada's landmark Supreme Court decision that recognized a new civil tort for intimate partner violence.

The historic ruling acknowledges that abuse in intimate relationships extends beyond isolated acts of physical violence to include ongoing patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour that cause significant harm.

The event will feature a brief video interview with Kuldeep Ahluwalia, whose case led to this precedent-setting decision, followed by a featured conversation with Lawson Lundell Litigation Partner Caitlin Ohama-Darcus exploring what this ruling means for survivors, the Canadian legal system, and gender equity. Lawson Lundell lawyers Caitlin Ohama-Darcus and Nicole Welsh represented Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS) as interveners before the Supreme Court in the Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia case.

Local practitioners, community members, and legal professionals are invited to attend the in-person event in Vancouver.

Event Details: 

• Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 

• Annual General Meeting: 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

• Featured Discussion & Video Screening, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

• Refreshments and Networking: 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• Location: YWCA Program Centre, 4th Floor (535 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC)

Key topics will focus on the legal implications of the new civil tort of intimate partner violence, the evolution of coercive control within legal frameworks, and practical insights on advancing gender equity in Canada.

Advance registration is required due to limited space.

Registration closes on August 11, 2026, or sooner if capacity is reached.

We hope you can join us for this important discussion and opportunity to connect.

RSVP here.