Independent Legal Advice

Independent Legal Advice (ILA) [Avis juridiques indépendants (AJI)] is a pilot program to provide free, confidential legal advice to survivors of sexual assault in Toronto, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay.

Through the Barbra Schlifer Clinic, people who identify as women and people with non-binary gender identity who are survivors of sexual assault living in Toronto can speak with a compassionate lawyer who understands what you have experienced and can talk to you about the options available to you either in person in a safe, woman-centred environment, or, if you prefer, over the phone.

You are not alone.  We are here to help you.

If you experienced sexual assault, recently or otherwise, and would like to speak with someone, please call 416.323-9149 ext 234, or CLICK HERE to fill out our Intake form.  A counsellor will contact you as soon as possible Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When you call us you may have to leave a message. Please:

• say your name and number clearly,
• let us know when we can reach you, and
• if it is safe for us to call you back and – if necessary – to leave you a message.

The ILA pilot program at the Barbra Schlifer Clinic offers survivors of sexual assault in Toronto, who are over the age of 16, free confidential legal advice from an independent legal advisor.

The legal advice will be provided over the phone or in person. It will not include legal representation.

Legal advice

The scope of legal advice will be based on each survivor’s individual needs, in order to help her make an informed decision about what her next steps will be. It does not include legal representation.

Eligibility restrictions

For the Barbra Schlifer Clinic, the survivor must meet the following restrictions:

1. people who identify as women and people with non-binary gender identity;
2. the assault happened in Ontario; and
3. be at least 16 years of age and live in one of the pilot communities.

For more information on the program, and how to access its services beyond the Barbra Schlifer Clinic, please visit the Ministry of the Attorney General’s website.

If you call us: