Sexual Violence Legal Information Series

Information on sexual violence and consent law in Canada, including definitions, age of consent, and close in age exemptions for voluntary sexual activity between peers.

An overview of legal options available for adults who have experienced sexual violence, including the applicable laws and process, and guidance for choosing a course of action based on the result you want. Includes information on protection orders, financial compensation, evidence, and timelines for different legal responses.

This resource covers the basics of the criminal justice system and process for adults who have experienced sexual violence. Includes reporting, the role of the person who experienced sexual violence (called the victim or complainant), evidence, and the defences available to the accused, as well as some definitions for relevant terminology.

Information on how to find a lawyer for those who have experienced sexual violence. The resource covers free and fee-based legal help, and advice for talking to a lawyer.

Here you’ll discover the basics of civil law options, including how civil cases are different from criminal, how to get a restraining order (including emergency restraining orders), how to file a lawsuit, and the types of claims you can make, including sexual battery, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and non-consensual photo sharing. Also covers the civil court process, including deadlines to file, evidence, damages, judgement, and costs

This resource covers the basics of protections for family members, including adult interdependent or intimate partners. Topics include basic definitions, Emergency Protection Orders and Queen’s Bench Protection Orders, and Exclusive Possession Orders.

Information about the Alberta Human Rights Act and Alberta’s occupational health and safety (OHS) laws, sexual harassment definitions, and filing complaints for adults who have experienced sexual violence at work.

This resource outlines some basic definitions as well as the Protecting Survivors of Human Trafficking Act and other laws and protection orders that address sexual exploitation or sex trafficking.