The Independent Legal Advice for Survivors of Sexual Violence project (ILA) provides free legal advice to survivors of sexual violence. A team of lawyers trained by ILA staff provides this advice, and each survivor is entitled to up to four hours of legal advice, as well as attendance at legal clinics (as scheduled). ILA is open to adults (18+) of any gender who live in Alberta and experienced sexual violence in Alberta.

ILA is a trauma-informed, healing-centered service that operates primarily in Edmonton. Services are available in Stony Plain, Morinville, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Ponoka, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Red Deer, and Fort McMurray. This project removes barriers for survivors who are considering coming forward, and empowers survivors through giving them a better understanding of their legal options.

Quick facts:

• Sexual violence is the most under-reported crime in Canada: 95 per cent of survivors do not report their assaults to police.

• Sexual violence most often affects women and girls: 87 per cent of survivors are women and 94 per cent of perpetrators are men.

• In 2014, 83,000 Albertans reported sexual assaults.

• Sexual violence is a sexual act committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent. It can be physical and/or non-contact, and affects all ages and genders. It is against the law.

For more information please contact: