New program to offer free legal advice to survivors of sexual violence

A new pilot program will give sexual violence survivors in Albertafree and confidential legal advice, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident.

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton has been given a grant of $700,000 to design and deliver the program, announced AlbertaStatus of Women Minister Stephanie McLeanon Friday.

For the three-year program, set to launch in November, the organization will recruita team of "trauma-informed, culturally aware" lawyers to work with the sexual violence survivors, said Toni Sinclair, executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton.

"We might not know how many people this program will impact down the roadbut we do know how badly it is needed," Sinclair said.

The program will give survivors a better understanding of their legal options, providing lawyers who will outline options such as going through the criminal justice system and filing a human rights or civil claim.

It will offer free legal advice in communities served by the Elizabeth Fry Societyincluding the Edmonton area, central Alberta and some Indigenous communities.

Sexual violence not well reported

Research shows that many survivors do not report incidents of sexual violence.

Movementssuch as #metoo and #timesuphave encouraged more victims to share their stories, but many are still afraid to come forward, said McLean.

"This fear has a lot todo with why sexual violence is the most under-reported crime in Canada," McLean said, citing data indicating 95 per cent of survivors do not go to police.

Some people don't want to be re-traumatized ordismissed, while othersare intimidated by the legal system, she said.

"When we support survivors to know their rights and choices, we help them to get back the power that they lost and support them in their journey to heal, seek justice, and move forward with their lives."

Survivor applauds initiative

Elizabeth Halpin was at the funding announcement and shared the story of how she was sexually assaulted six years ago by a man she met on Whyte Avenue.

Her recovery was helped withtherapy and support from family and friends, but Halpin said she encountered difficulties when trying to navigate the legal system.

There wasn't enough evidence for a criminal prosecution and by the time she considered a civil suit, the statue of limitations was up, she said.

A program such as this onewould have helped her, Halpin said.

"It would have added a level of care," she said. "And a little bit more clear direction of where I was going and how to navigate the system."

Halpinhas a tip for those who encountersurvivors of sexual violence.

"Believing them is the most important. Not having to justify yourself or your actions makes a really big difference," she said.