Stream 1: Independent Legal Advice and Independent Legal Representation for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Assault and/or of Intimate Partner Violence
Overview
Funding through the Victims Fund and the Justice Partnership and Innovation Fund is available for the development, enhancement and implementation of:
- Independent Legal Advice (ILA) programs that
- Provide personalized legal advice to survivors and victims of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence (IPV) about their legal options.
- Independent Legal Representation (ILR) programs that
- Support survivors and victims of sexual assault with legal counsel in criminal sexual assault trials for procedures involving highly sensitive evidence (i.e. procedures related to s. 276 and s. 278 hearings).
- Provide legal representation for survivors and victims of IPV in non-criminal, time limited court matters (e.g., family law matters, immigration matters, residential tenancy matters, etc.) in complex, high-risk cases.
Objectives of the Funding
The ultimate objective of this funding is to improve access to justice for survivors and victims of sexual assault and IPV. This funding aims to reduce the re-traumatization often faced by survivors and victims when engaging with the justice system, and work towards increasing confidence in the justice system’s response to gender-based violence.
This anticipatory call for proposals supports creating and/or enhancing programs that provide survivors and victims with legal advice and legal representation so they can make informed choices and navigate both the criminal and family justice systems.
Applications may include:
- Providing ILA/ILR to survivors and victims of sexual assault navigating the criminal justice system.
- Providing ILA/ILR to survivors and victims of IPV navigating the family justice system.
- Offering additional services such as:
- Referrals to other services
- Justice system navigation
- Social supports
- Providing training to criminal and family justice professionals on the legal frameworks and unique dynamics inherent to gender-based violence.
All applications must show how they will contribute to the planned outcomes:
- Immediate: Survivors and victims of sexual assault and/or IPV have access to ILA/ILR services.
- Intermediate: Survivors and victims of sexual assault and/or IPV are better supported in the justice system.
- Ultimate: Survivors and victims of sexual assault and/or IPV have increased access to justice.
Assessment Criteria
Applications must clearly demonstrate:
- Alignment with the objectives and outcomes of the call for proposals.
- Knowledge of community needs and experience working on Gender-Based violence issues.
- Experience developing and delivering legal services (or capacity through identified partnerships).
- An established network of service providers and a plan to make “warm referrals” to other services and supports if needed.
- Clear description of:
- Identified target population groups
- Project activities
- Expected impacts
- Integration of key considerations listed earlier (GBA Plus, multisectoral collaboration, trauma-informed practice, official languages).
- A realistic budget aligned with proposed activities.
- Organizational stability and strong support structures.
- Efficient financial management practices.
Who can apply for this funding?
- Provincial and territorial governments
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations and charities
- Public Legal Education and Information organizations
- Legal Clinics
- Indigenous governments and organizations
Reporting and Deliverables
Successful applicants will be required to complete project reporting, which may include the collection of disaggregated data for client services. All templates will be provided by Justice Canada.
Note: Justice Canada understands that there may be sensitivities and challenges involved in the collection of disaggregated data from survivors and victims of sexual assault and IPV. As such, all successful applicants will be provided with the opportunity to discuss data collection with Justice Canada at the start of their project.
Key project deliverables will include:
- project activity reporting
- financial reporting, including annual audited financial reports
- final project reporting
Information Sessions
We will hold information sessions to explain key application criteria and how to apply. Information sessions for Stream 1: ILA/ILR will be held online at the following times:
- Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT – French Session
- Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT – English Session
To register for an information session, please e-mail jus.jpip-pjpi@justice.gc.ca. Both sessions will be delivered through MS Teams.
Additional Information
- To request additional information or to request an application form for this funding stream, please contact jus.jpip-pjpi@justice.gc.ca.
- Completed applications must be received by Justice Canada no later than April 17, 2026, 11:59 PM PST. Applications should be submitted by email to jus.jpip-pjpi@justice.gc.ca.
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