Provincial Government Partners with Community Groups to Support Victims of Sexual Violence

  • Executive Council

January 25, 2018

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to partner with the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre (NLSACPC) to offer legal support services to victims of sexual violence.

The program will provide up to four hours of free legal advice to victims who have experienced sexual violence. Trained staff will assess and work with an individual’s particular needs and experiences, provide general legal information, supportive referrals, and trauma-informed responses to help people who have experienced sexual violence navigate barriers both within and outside the legal system.

As part of this program, PLIAN and NLSACPC will recruit and create a roster of lawyers available to provide legal advice to survivors referred by this program. Lawyers seeking to participate will be required to complete training on working with survivors through a trauma-informed lens, and will be assessed and screened by PLIAN and NLSACPC before being added to the roster.

With funding from the Federal Government, the Department of Justice and Public Safety will receive $250,000 per year, for three years, to support the program.

Quotes
“It’s important that as a community, we work together to ensure that all victims have access to justice. I’m pleased to partner with the Public Legal Information Association of NL and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre to help victims of sexual violence better understand and participate more effectively in the legal process.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“It is vital that survivors of violence have assistance as they navigate the legal system. Violence against women is completely unacceptable. Education and collaboration will help as we work to put an end to all forms of violence.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

“People who have experienced sexual violence often face a variety of barriers and challenges, both inside and outside the legal system. One thing we have heard from survivors and advocates all over the province is that more support and navigation through the legal process is needed for survivors. This initiative will help survivors better understand their legal rights and options, obtain legal advice from experienced lawyers trained in trauma-informed responses, and receive non-legal supports and referrals if needed.”
Kevin O’Shea
Executive Director, Public Legal Information Association of NL

“What makes this initiative stand out, nationwide, is that it is housed within two trusted community organizations that are guided by a holistic and survivor- centered approach. We are deeply connected to the voices of survivors and the barriers experienced by individuals who are moving through the legal system.”
Nicole Kieley
Executive Director, NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre

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Learn more 

For information on justice services available to victims visit www.justice.gov.nl.ca/just/victim_services.

For information on legal services visit publiclegalinfo.com/ 

For information on crisis support services visit nlsacpc.com/ 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL  and @JPS_GovNL .

Media contacts
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
LesleyClarke@gov.nl.ca

Kevin O’Shea
Public Legal Information Association of NL
709-722-2643
info@publiclegalinfo.com

Nicole Kieley
NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre
709-747-7757
executivedirector@endsexualviolence.com

2018 01 25 3:05 pm