CSOLA – Children’s Sexual Offences Legal Adviser

Free independent support for under 18s who have been victims of sexual crime.

What is a CSOLA?

Children’s Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (CSOLAs) are qualified solicitors who can offer legal advice and support those who are aged under 18 and have been victims of a serious sexual offence.
CSOLAs are based in Victim Support NI and are independent from the police and prosecution services.

How can a CSOLA help?

CSOLAs 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 victims 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 CSOLAs to complainants is confidential and governed by professional privilege.

CSOLAs 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 CSOLA will make sure YOUR voice is heard.
They will not judge you.
They will support you.

How can I access the support of a CSOLA?
You can access free legal representation from a CSOLA if you are a young person who has reported a serious sexual offence to the PSNI and they are investigating that offence.
You can also speak to a CSOLA if you are considering reporting a crime of sexual violence to the police.
This service is currently only available to children and young people under the age of 18.

If you would like to access the support of a CSOLA, please ask the police officer in charge of your case to make a referral,  or contact us directly at csola@victimsupportni.org.uk