Sexual Offence Legal Advisers
Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLAs) are qualified lawyers who can provide free, independent legal advice and support to victims of sexual offences.
SOLAs can provide advice to both adult and child victims.
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 also meet with complainants before a trial to talk about legal issues, the complainant’s rights and provide an overview of the legal process.
Any advice given by the SOLAs to complainants is confidential and governed by professional privilege.
Since its launch in April 2021, the adult SOLA service has assisted over 2,000 people with overwhelmingly positive feedback. The Child SOLA Service launched in February 2025.
For more information on the scheme and to contact a SOLA visit Victim Support NI website:
Fo the Adult SOLA scheme see:
Sexual Violence - SOLAs (Sexual Offences Legal Advisers) - Victim Support NI
For the Child SOLA scheme see
CSOLA - Children's Sexual Offences Legal Adviser - Victim Support NI