What's New

1 April 2026

Legal Services launches new Sexual Assault Legal Services pilot program across South Australia

Legal Services has today launched a dedicated, trauma informed legal service providing free and confidential support to victim survivors of sexual violence, as part of a new statewide pilot program in South Australia.

The initiative is supported through an $18 million Commonwealth Government funding package, enabling the national expansion of specialised sexual assault legal services across all states and territories.

The pilot aims to improve access to legal assistance for victim survivors across South Australia by addressing unmet legal need and systemic barriers to accessing justice.

Legal Services CEO Annmarie Lumsden said while the service is open to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, it will specifically focus on young women under 25.

“Consultation for the pilot highlighted a significant gap in access to early legal support for young women following sexual violence,” Ms Lumsden said.

“One in five Australian women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15, yet many young women are unaware of their legal rights or that legal support is available.”

The pilot will include a frontline legal service, offering advice about rights and options within the justice system and, where a report is made to police and an investigation or court process results, ongoing support throughout these processes.

Recognising the broader impacts of sexual violence on health and wellbeing, the pilot will include integrated social work and financial counselling support and deliver legal assistance in partnership with health services, specifically, the Health and Recovery Trauma Safety Services and Metropolitan Youth Health.

Legal Services Manager Family Safety Nicole Lancaster said the complexity of the justice system can be a significant barrier for victim survivors of sexual violence.

“The service is grounded in a trauma informed approach, designed to empower victim survivors by placing them in control of their legal options and the steps they choose to take.

“It also includes a specialist Justice System Navigator role, who will support victim survivors, by walking alongside them at each stage of the court process, help them to remain informed and ensure they are linked in with supports for their emotional wellbeing,” she said. 

The Justice System Navigator role will be delivered in partnership with Relationships Australia SA. 

The pilot, in partnership with Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, will also undertake a research project into restorative justice options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in South Australia who have experienced sexual violence.

This provides a forward looking pathway to evaluate justice responses currently available for victim-survivors of sexual violence.

Legal Services brings established expertise with a long history of delivering specialist programs which support victim survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence through complex matters.

“This pilot represents an important step in strengthening access to justice, supporting victim survivors to engage with the justice system in ways that respect choice and supports recovery,” Ms Lancaster said.

The pilot will also deliver legal education in schools and communities across South Australia, targeted training for frontline health and community workers, and a sexual violence education campaign to raise awareness of available legal support for women under 25.

Anyone in South Australia who has experienced sexual violence, recently or in the past, can contact the service via the free Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 or via an online chat with a lawyer on our website.

For more information about the legal service, visit https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/sexual-violence-legal-service-south-australia.php.