A new three-year provincial pilot program designed to give sexual assault survivors confidential and free legal advice is rightly being applauded by stakeholders.
The $700,000 program will be run through the Status of Women department and will be open to adult survivors of sexual violence, regardless of how long ago the offence or offences occurred. It is open to survivors of all genders.
Not only is the program a good step forward in giving survivors the support they need, it may also help bring more offenders to justice.
For her part, former Minister of Status of Women Stephanie McLean says the program is about supporting individuals and the community at large.
“We want survivors of sexual violence to know they have power and rights, and that we stand with them,” said McLean. “We are funding this free service to remove barriers for survivors who are considering coming forward. And we want to help them make informed decisions as they heal and pursue justice.”
Research shows that many survivors do not report sexual violence incidents because they fear they’ll be dismissed or re-traumatized, or they don’t know how to navigate the process, she said.
“The program will give survivors a better understanding of their legal options, such as accessing the criminal justice system, submitting a human rights complaint or pursuing a civil claim,” she said.
Toni Sinclair, executive director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton, added: “Everyone has the right to understand the justice system, regardless of their economic or social status. This program will help to promote safety, human rights and empowerment to all sexual violence survivors.”
The pilot program will offer free legal advice in communities served by the Elizabeth Fry Society, including in Central Alberta.
Survivors of sexual violence should and must receive the full support of the provincial government and its stakeholder partners.
As such, this new program should be applauded for what it is –- a positive step in support of justice in Alberta.
Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
