Ontario Expands Free Legal Support for Sexual Assault Survivors
$750K investment strengthens access to trauma-informed legal advice across Ontario through Barbra Schlifer Clinic
TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $750,000 over three years to expand access to free, independent legal advice for survivors of sexual assault, reinforcing its commitment to victim support and community safety.
The funding will support the Independent Legal Advice Program, now operated by the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, which provides survivors aged 16 and older with up to four hours of confidential legal advice — available by phone or video conferencing — at no cost.
“This is the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario communities,” said Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo. “We’re helping to ensure that victims and survivors have the information they need to make informed decisions about their legal options.”
The program is open to individuals who reside in Ontario and have experienced sexual assault in the province. It is trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and designed to offer flexible, compassionate guidance in a time of crisis.
This morning, @mciriellompp and I visited Barbra Schlifer Clinic to discuss our government’s $750K investment to expand legal support for sexual assault survivors—a key step in our plan to protect Ontario communities.
Thank you to the @schliferclinic for your meaningful work. pic.twitter.com/pB2nIk1ZLd
— Dr. Michael Tibollo (@MichaelTibollo) June 13, 2025
“This investment is a powerful step forward,” said Monica Ciriello, Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General. “It can make a real difference in a person’s path to justice and healing.”
Strengthening Access to Justice
The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic assumed leadership of the program on April 1, 2025, to streamline access, modernize intake, and improve the needs assessment process. In the 2024–25 fiscal year alone, the Clinic provided legal advice to 522 individuals.
“Access to justice must be survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and grounded in care and dignity,” said Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director of the Clinic. “This investment reflects a meaningful commitment to ensuring more survivors across Ontario can access legal advice in ways that honour their experiences and autonomy.”
The initiative is part of a broader $6.4 million investment announced in the 2024 Ontario Budget, which also included funding for the Child Victim Witness Support Program. Together, these efforts align with Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy and its ongoing action plan to combat gender-based violence.
“Legal supports are critically important to helping victims and survivors heal and rebuild,” said Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa. “This is part of our government’s plan to empower survivors and build safer communities.”
Ontario’s investment in the Independent Legal Advice Program also supports its wider legislative and social safety framework, including the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act.
Support services and legal advice are available at:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/independent-legal-advice-survivors-sexual-assault
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