P.E.I’s “Rise” Commits $200,000 to help survivors of sexual violence

The “RISE” program is free for all victims of sexual violence

Islanders can now access additional supports to navigate the justice system and community supports through a new partnership with Community Legal Information.

RISE is a new program that provides educational, legal and emotional to support to Islanders dealing with sexual violence trauma. The program is offered through Community Legal Information (CLI), an organization that helps people navigate and better understand the legal system. 

P.E.I Commits $200,000 to help survivors of sexual violence

“Reporting or disclosing an experience of sexual violence is immensely personal,” shared CLI project manager Alia Hack. “The goal of RISE and of our organization is to support victims and to ensure they are well informed about their legal options.”

The free program uses a trauma-informed approach and provides sexual assault survivors with access to legal information, up to four hours of free legal advice, and personalized assistance to navigate the justice system and community supports, as well as emotional support to address the trauma of sexual violence.

RISE program staff will work closely with Rape and Sexual Assault Services, Victim Services of the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the legal community to enhance supports and responses for survivors of sexual violence.

“Sexual violence is unfortunately a reality of our society. These complex crimes have a traumatic and long lasting effects on the survivors,” said Bloyce Thompson, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General.

P.E.I Commits $200,000 to help survivors of sexual violence

“The survivors need services and supports to be accessible, coordinated and available in the most seamless way possible. I am very optimistic that our partnership with CLI will give survivors of these serious crimes some much needed support and relief in knowing that we are there to help.”

The provincial government provided $200,000 to support the program over two years to complement existing services CLI offers to Islanders. 

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