About Cassandra Harvey
Cassandra Harvey is a Victim’s Advocate at Diamond & Diamond Lawyers LLP, where she advocates for survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. Drawing on her professional expertise, legal education, and lived experience, Cassandra works to amplify survivors’ voices, raise awareness of systemic barriers, and advocate for meaningful legislative and policy reform.
Cassandra is a graduate of Seneca Polytechnic’s Paralegal Program and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from York University, where she double majored in Criminology and Law & Society. She is currently pursuing a law degree while continuing her work in survivor advocacy, public education, and policy reform.
As a lived-experience advocate who grew up in Ontario’s child welfare system, Cassandra brings a unique perspective to her work, combining firsthand knowledge of systemic challenges with an understanding of the legal and institutional frameworks that affect vulnerable populations.
Cassandra contributes to legislative discussions at the federal and provincial level, including appearing before Senate committees to provide testimony on proposed legislation affecting survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. Her advocacy focuses on survivor autonomy, institutional accountability, access to justice, and addressing the long-term financial and social consequences of exploitation.
Frequently featured in the media, Cassandra speaks publicly about gaps in Canadian legislation, particularly concerning coerced debt, financial exploitation, prevention, and human trafficking. Through her public advocacy, she works to bring greater attention to the barriers survivors face when navigating legal, financial, and government systems.
In addition to her role at Diamond & Diamond, Cassandra serves as the Founder and Executive Director of The Harvey Foundation for Justice & Opportunity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing educational and financial barriers for individuals and families impacted by the legal system. The Foundation supports access to postsecondary education through scholarships, bursaries, educational grants, and mental health counselling services.
Throughout her advocacy and community involvement, Cassandra has contributed to fundraising initiatives that have collectively raised over $1 million in support of organizations and community causes. She remains actively involved in supporting marginalized communities, promoting equitable access to resources, and advocating for individuals whose voices are often overlooked within institutional systems.
Cassandra’s work is grounded in the belief that lived experience should not simply inform conversations about systemic reform but should play a meaningful role in shaping the policies, programs, and institutions that affect survivors’ lives.
No one should have to face the aftermath of sexual assault or exploitation alone. If you are a survivor, you have rights, and help is available.
Areas of Focus
Media Mentions
- House of Commons - Open until February 19, 2027: Cassandra's petition e-7839 calls on the federal government to relieve survivors of debts arising from human trafficking, sexual violence and domestic violence. Read on House of Commons
- CityNews Toronto, October 15, 2026: Cassandra launches a House of Commons petition to change how federal law treats CRA debts that traffickers create in survivors' names
Read on CityNews - CityNews Toronto, September 29, 2026: Cassandra speaks about her years-long fight with the CRA over CERB and child benefit payments her trafficker claimed in her name. Watch on CityNews
- The Pointer, September 21, 2025: An investigation into the debt traffickers ran up in Cassandra's name and the CRA's continued collection efforts. Read on The Pointer