Survivors of sexual violence in Lloydminster have a new way to access legal advice, after the Saskatchewan government launches “The Listen Project.”
The project offers survivors up to two hours of free legal advice and if needed an additional two hours can be offered. The program handles any cases of sexual assault or harassment in the workplace or sexual abuse in the province.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan says that the program is a testament to their ongoing commitment to address the problem of sexual violence in Saskatchewan.
“We acknowledge that Saskatchewan has unfortunately high rates of sexual victimization and recognize sexual violence survivors often need help in responding to and overcoming such violence.”
In Lloydminster, there are free legal clinics available for anyone who needs advice and information, that run every third Wednesday of every other month. Acting COO of the Lloydminster Interval Home Charlene Rowein says that the clinic is run under the Alberta government and offers two hours of legal advice.
“When they are able to get an appointment, information that is being provided to them is great information and they receive options and recommendations of what they can be doing.”
Rowein adds that clients can then call legal aid to set up an appointment with a lawyer to go over those recommendations. Legal clinics offering free information have limited availability and Rowein says that is a challenge for people wanting to access the services they provide.
“Being that a clinic only comes every couple months and limited time, the clinic happens then they get lets say a client the next day that’s needing that kind of support they have to wait two months to get some of those free services.”
The Interval Home does provide information on accessing the clinic for people wanting to know more information. The Saskatchewan program will run until March 2021 and survivors can access their services online or by calling 1-855-258-9415.