What It Includes
Still Rising is a comprehensive guide that explores:
- The difference between criminal and civil legal options
- What to expect from each process
- The realities, challenges, and limitations of the legal system
- Other avenues for accountability and support
- Key issues such as non-disclosure agreements, defamation, and institutional responsibility
It is grounded in the British Columbia legal system, but many of the concepts apply more broadly across Canada.
Why We Created This Resource
Many survivors lack access to clear, reliable information about their legal options.
Too often, people are left to piece things together on their own through fragmented resources, social media, or incomplete information.
This guide was created to change that.
It brings together legal expertise, case studies, and examples to make the process more transparent, more accessible, and more human-centered.
Who It’s For
This resource was created for:
- Survivors of sexual violence
- People supporting survivors (family members, friends, partners)
- Frontline workers and advocates
- Counsellors, social workers, and healthcare professionals
Whether you are exploring your own options or supporting someone else, we hope that this guide will be a useful resource.
A Note on Our Approach
This guide is grounded in a trauma-informed perspective.
It recognizes that the legal system can be difficult to navigate and that engaging with it can, at times, risk causing further harm.
Rather than simplifying or idealizing the process, Still Rising aims to be honest about what survivors may experience, while also outlining the legal options that exist.
