Legal support and information

Learning about legal options after sexual or gender based violence is not the same as taking legal action. You can gather information about legal support for survivors quietly, at your own pace, and decide later or never. All of those are valid choices.

SafeHerSpace does not provide legal advice. This page offers general information about legal assistance and support for survivors of sexual and gender based violence in Sri Lanka. A qualified legal professional is the right source for advice about your situation.

In Sri Lanka, legal assistance for survivors of sexual and gender based violence may be found through several kinds of organisations.

The live directory will list verified services; in general, people often look toward:

  • Legal aid commissions and government supported legal aid desks
  • Non governmental organisations focused on women's rights and legal support
  • University legal clinics and community legal literacy programmes
  • Bar association referral services and pro bono panels

These are general categories of legal support services, not recommendations.

The verified directory will replace this list with specific, checked services.

Explain your legal options

Legal aid providers can outline the legal options available after sexual violence, including reporting, protection orders and civil remedies, in plain language, so you can weigh them yourself.

Help with legal documentation

Some legal support services for survivors help with paperwork, applications or preparing what you might need for a legal process you choose to pursue.

Refer you onward

Legal aid desks often connect people with qualified lawyers, including pro bono or free legal representation where available.

Support you through a legal process

If you do choose to take legal action, some organisations can provide legal support for survivors of SGBV and accompany you through the relevant steps of the process.

Questions to ask a legal support provider

Do I have to take legal action if I talk to you?

A trustworthy legal support provider will tell you clearly: no.

Asking for information about legal options after sexual violence should never commit you to a case, a complaint or any next step.

Is my conversation with you confidential?

Ask what confidentiality covers and whether any exceptions apply.

You deserve a clear answer before you share anything about your experience or seek legal assistance for survivors of SGBV.

What would each legal option involve, roughly?

You can ask what a legal process typically looks like, including timeframes, what would be asked of you, and possible outcomes, without deciding anything.

Understanding your legal options after sexual or gender based violence can help you make an informed choice at your own pace.

What does your legal support cost?

Legal aid services may be free or available at a reduced cost, but this can vary between providers.

Always ask directly about fees so there are no surprises later.

Can I bring someone I trust?

Many people find it easier to have a friend, family member or support person present when accessing legal support after sexual violence.

It is entirely reasonable to ask whether someone you trust can accompany you.

Can you explain my options without me making a decision?

You can ask a legal aid provider to explain the options available to you without asking you to decide immediately.

Getting information does not mean you have to take action.

Learning about your legal rights and support options after sexual or gender based violence does not mean you have to take legal action.

Take the information you need, ask questions, and decide what feels right for you.

Find legal support