Sexual Violence – SOLAs (Sexual Offences Legal Advisers)
Free independent support for adult victims of sexual crime.
What is a SOLA?
Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLAs) are qualified lawyers who can offer legal advice and support to adult victims of a serious sexual offence. If you are looking for information on the Children’s SOLA, please go here CSOLA – Children’s Sexual Offences Legal Adviser
SOLAs are based in Victim Support NI and are independent from the police and prosecution services.
How can a SOLA help?
SOLAs can provide relevant information and general legal advice in serious sexual offence cases up to the start of the trial.
They are particularly focused on the privacy rights of complainants with respect to the disclosure of medical records or previous sexual history.
They can meet with complainants before a trial to talk about legal issues, the complainant’s rights and provide an overview of the process.
Any advice given by the SOLAs to complainants is confidential and governed by professional privilege.
SOLAs will advocate on your behalf and represent your interests to other organisations within the criminal justice system, like the PPS or PSNI.
Most importantly, a SOLA will make sure YOUR voice is heard.
They will not judge you.
They will support you.
How can I access the support of a SOLA?
The best way to contact the SOLAs is to fill out the referral form below. You can do this as a victim of the crime or as a third party reporting on behalf of someone else.
You can access free legal representation from a SOLA if you are an adult who has reported a serious sexual offence to the PSNI and they are investigating that offence.
You can also speak to a SOLA if you are considering reporting a crime of sexual violence to the police.
This service is currently only available to adults. However, they can offer support to adults making a complaint of historical sexual abuse.
If you would like to access the support of a SOLA, please ask the police officer in charge of your case to make a referral, fill out the form below, or contact us directly at sola@victimsupportni.org.uk
If you feel you would benefit from a SOLA you can ask to be referred from the PSNI, or you can refer yourself to the service using the form below. If you are filling in this form as a self-referral please include your own details under the ‘Referral’ section.
(Please note, an asterix beside an option indicates required information. You must fill this out before submitting.)
Legal Advice from a SOLA is completely free, confidential and independent.
Contact us:
Email: sola@victimsupportni.org.uk
Belfast Hub 028 9024 3133
Foyle Hub 028 7137 0086
This pilot project is a government initiative funded by the Department of Justice NI. It is aimed at tackling sexual violence, supporting victims of serious sexual offences by providing legal advice in relation to their Article 8 rights and previous sexual history, and improving their experiences of the Criminal Justice system in Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is Disclosure?
During an investigation of a crime, the police try to gather all the evidence they can relating to that crime. This may include things like your mobile phone records or CCTV footage at the time the crime occurred. It may also include personal information which is usually confidential, eg: your medical records.
Requests to access this type of evidence are called ‘disclosure’. You must give your consent for these requests to be granted.
SOLAs can explain why the request is being made and what might happen if you do or do not give your consent. They can also advise how your personal information is obtained and shared before you sign anything to give consent.
What is ABE?
ABE is short for ‘Achieving Best Evidence’ and is intended to reduce the amount of times you must relay your experience. It can also be used in court.
It is one of the ‘special measures’ you are entitled to as a victim of sexual violence.
These special measures help you give your best evidence and are designed to reduce some of the trauma associated with going through the criminal justice system.
You will be recorded talking about what happened to you. The recording will take place soon after you report the crime to the police but won’t be recorded until you are ready.
You can usually have someone with you for support.
By giving your evidence in this manner, it will be fresher in your mind and it is usually quicker than giving a written statement.
