A Western University legal information program for survivors of sexual assault has expanded its services beyond campus, now offering free and confidential support to anyone living in London and Middlesex County.
The Legal Information for Sexual Assault (LISA) program, run out of the Faculty of Law at Western University in partnership with Community Legal Services, was originally created to support Western students. The expansion comes after the program began receiving increased inquiries from people outside the university community.
Founded in September 2022, LISA offers survivors information about legal processes, including criminal and civil options, police reporting and court procedures. The service is free, confidential and allows individuals to remain anonymous.
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While the program does not provide legal advice, it refers individuals to community organizations and legal resources when appropriate.
The service is delivered by trained Western law student volunteers who work under the supervision of licensed lawyers.
Vanshika Dhawan, a co-supervising lawyer with the LISA, said the decision to expand was made after determining the program had the capacity to support a broader population, particularly as awareness of LISA spread through community organizations working in the sexual and gender-based violence sector.
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A trauma-informed approach is central to the program, she added. Individuals are not required to disclose details of their experiences and are encouraged to seek support at their own pace.
“Our goal is to make things less scary and less confusing,” Dhawan said. “Sexual violence is a loss of control, and providing clear information helps give some of that control back.”
The service is open not only to survivors, but also to individuals seeking information to support someone who has experienced sexual violence.
LISA appointments are available virtually and in person until April 2026.
More information is available at western.law/lisa
