Ontario has expanded a program that offers free legal help to victims and survivors of violence and sexual offences.
The province’s Independent Legal Advice Program now provides up to eight hours of free and confidential legal advice. This is an increase from the previous limit of four hours. The advice is available by phone or video call.
The program is for people affected by intimate partner violence, human trafficking, or sexual offences. This includes sexual assault and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or recordings.
Victims and survivors can access the service at any time after the harm happened. They do not need to report the incident to police or have an active criminal case. The program can help people understand their legal options and connect them with other support services. It does not include representation in court.
Eligibility rules have also changed. Anyone who is 16 years of age or older may qualify if they live in Ontario or if the offence happened in Ontario.
More information about the program and eligibility is available through Ontario’s Independent Legal Advice Program.
