Sexual Violence Legal Advocacy

Are you exploring your legal options after experiencing sexual violence?
We are here to support you — on your terms, at your pace.
You are not alone.

Our Sexual Violence Legal Advocacy Program is here to support you in understanding your legal rights and options. Whether you're thinking about reporting to the police, navigating a court process, or just want to understand what’s possible, we’re here to help you make informed, empowered choices. There is no time limit to access justice. We are here when you're ready.

How We Can Help

Our team provides compassionate, non-judgmental support with:

Understanding your legal options

Exploring criminal, civil, and restorative justice pathways

Arranging and accompanying you to police interviews and reports

Supporting you through police investigations

Attending court proceedings or legal appointments with you

Providing emotional support and space to debrief

Helping to understand police investigation or trial outcomes

We walk alongside you through the process whether you want to take action now, later, or just want to know your rights. You have control over what steps you take.

Please note that this program is available to people living in Waterloo Region or to those whose cases occurred in Waterloo Region.

Hospital, Police, and Court Accompaniments

Our staff and volunteers are available to accompany you to:

Hospitals or medical appointments
Police interviews and court appearances
Meetings with legal professionals or other justice services

We also provide assistance with letter writing, phone calls, and navigating appointments, always at your request and in line with your comfort and readiness.

To arrange support or accompaniment, call our 24-Hour Support Line at 519-741-8633 or complete our Intake Form.

Intake Form

If you are a newcomer to Canada and you have experienced gender-based violence, you are not alone. Our Newcomer Gender-Based Violence Legal Advocacy program offers free, confidential legal support designed to meet the needs of newcomers. We can help you understand your rights and access the supports available to you. Click here to learn more.

If You’ve Recently Experienced Sexual Assault

Medical Care – Your Health Comes First

Medical care after an assault is important for your health and well-being, even if you’re not sure about reporting. It’s also a chance to get information about options, prevent STIs, or access emergency contraception.

You can visit:

Your family doctor or a walk-in clinic
The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre (SADVCC) at:
- Waterloo Regional Health Network (formerly St. Mary’s Hospital)
- Cambridge Memorial Hospital

Ask for the SADVCC nurse on call. To contact the SADVCC directly, call 519-749-6994.

If you would like a support person with you, call our 24-Hour Line and we can meet you at the hospital.

Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK)

While at the SADVCC, you can choose whether or not to complete a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit, which collects physical evidence that may be used if you decide to report.

You do not need to report to police to complete a kit — the evidence can be stored confidentially at the hospital for up to 6 months, giving you time to decide.

If you're thinking about completing a kit, try to avoid bathing, changing clothes, or using the washroom before the exam. That said, you can still go to the hospital even if you have done any of these things — your care matters more than perfect evidence.

Your Legal Options

Reporting to Police — Your Choice, Your Rights

Reporting to police is a deeply personal decision. You deserve to know your rights and feel supported no matter what you decide. If you are considering making a police report, please complete this Intake Form to have support from our legal advocacy team.

If you choose to report, you have the right to:

Be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect
Ask for a police officer of the same gender
Request privacy and breaks during interviews
Use your own words to describe what happened
Ask for clarification at any time
Bring a support person or advocate from our Centre
Access an interpreter or accessibility supports
File a complaint if you are mistreated

police reporting options

how to prepare for making a police report

your rights when making a police report

Independent Legal Advice (ILA)

If you are 16 or older and live in Ontario, you may be eligible for up to 8 hours of free legal advice through the Independent Legal Advice Program. You do not need to have reported to police to access this service.

To apply, click here or call 1-855-226-3904.

We can support you in accessing this service and help you understand what legal advice might be most helpful for your situation.

Survivors of workplace sexual harassment can get free legal advice from Waterloo Region Community Legal Services and legal clinics across Ontario through the SHAPE toll-free phone line.

Call 1-833-677-5146 Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

We are here for you.

Whether you are seeking justice, exploring your options, or just trying to understand what’s next - we are here. You don’t have to face this alone.

Call our 24-Hour Support Line at 519-741-8633
or complete the Intake Form to connect with someone who can listen, support, and walk alongside you.

Intake Form