Independent Legal Advice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Pilot Program
If you are a survivor of sexual assault living in the City of Toronto, the City of Ottawa, or the District of Thunder Bay, you may be eligible to receive up to four hours of free legal advice to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
This service is confidential and is available to you at any time after the sexual assault has occurred.
Legal representation is not provided under this pilot program (e.g., the lawyer cannot speak for you in court).
How it works
The pilot program provides eligible survivors with up to four hours of free, legal advice from one or more lawyers on the referral list by phone, or in person.
People who identify as women and people with non-binary gender identity living in the City of Toronto who would benefit from a women-centred space, also have the option of accessing legal advice through the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.
Eligibility
This program is available to all eligible women, men, trans and gender-diverse people.
You can access the program if:
- you are at least 16 years of age
- the sexual assault happened in Ontario
- you live in the City of Toronto, the City of Ottawa or the District of Thunder Bay. See below:
How to access the program
To speak with a lawyer from the referral list follow these steps:
- Complete the voucher request form.
- Send your completed voucher request form by email to ILAvoucher@ontario.ca.
You may also choose to print and send your voucher request form by mail to:
Independent Legal AdviceP.O. Box 809
Toronto Adelaide Retail
Toronto, ON
M5C 2K1
If you are eligible to access the program, you should receive the referral list and instructions on how to use your vouchers within 3 business days by email, or up to 10 business days through regular mail. You can indicate in the voucher request form if you’d like to receive these materials by email or regular mail.
If you are not eligible for the service, you will receive a notification within 3 business days by email, or up to 10 business days through regular mail.
If you have questions, you can call the pilot program toll-free at: 1-855-226-3904.
To receive legal advice through the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
This option is only available to people who identify as women and people with non-binary gender identity living in the City of Toronto who would benefit from a women-centred space.
To access legal advice at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic call: 416-323-9149.
What is sexual assault
Sexual assault is a crime. It covers any sexual contact that you don’t agree to, including:
- unwanted sexual touching or sex
- the use of force, threats or intimidation to make you do something sexual that you do not want to do