2. Talk to a lawyer
Question & Answer
What is a private prosecution and how do I apply for one?If you want to apply for a , it's a good idea to talk to a lawyer. A lawyer can help you decide which option is best for your situation.
The Law Society Referral Service will give you the name of a lawyer in your area who can give you a free consultation for up to 30 minutes. You can ask for a lawyer who speaks your language, or a lawyer who accepts Legal Aid certificates. You can use the online service or you can call the crisis line at 1-855-947-5255 or 416-947-5255 in Toronto. This service is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JusticeNet helps people whose income is too high to use Legal Aid but too low to afford standard legal fees. JusticeNet offers services for a fee based on your income.
Legal Aid Ontario provides services to people who have experienced domestic violence and need immediate help with a family law issue, like getting a . The service gives you 2 hours of free advice from a lawyer. There is no financial eligibility requirement. For more information, call 1-800-668-8258, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or contact your local community legal clinic or shelter.
Luke’s Place works with abused women across Ontario by providing legal advice, support, and referrals. They offer a Virtual Legal Clinic that connects women with lawyers for free legal advice on family law issues. Call 905-728-0978 or 1-866-516-3116.
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you can also contact the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic for free legal advice. The clinic helps women and people who identify as non-binary who have experienced physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. The clinic accepts collect calls and can be reached at 416-323-9149 or 416-323-1361 (TTY).
Sexual assault
Sexual cases have special rules and steps that make these prosecutions different from many other crimes involving gender-based violence. Sexual assault cases can also be very difficult and traumatic for the victim. If you're not in an emergency situation, it's a good idea to get legal advice before you go to the police about a . A lawyer can:
- give you advice, based on your situation
- explain what will happen if you go to the police
- answer your questions about reporting a sexual assault
- help you plan what steps you decide to take
The Ontario government offers a program to help survivors of sexual assault get legal advice. The program gives eligible people vouchers that they can use to get up to 4 hours of free legal advice from a private lawyer by phone or video.
This service is confidential and available to people of all genders. You can apply any time after a sexual assault has occurred, even if you haven't reported it to the police. You can apply to use this service if you:
- are at least 16 years old
- live in Ontario, and
- were the victim of a sexual assault that happened in Ontario.
If you are a woman or someone who identifies as non-binary and you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you can also contact the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic for free legal advice at 416-323-9149.
