Recent Sexual Assaults – Support for Survivors

Recent Sexual Assault could be defined as a sexual assault that happened within the last year.

  • Know that this is not your fault. It doesn’t matter what you wore, what you did, what you didn’t do, who you were with, who you weren’t with or whether or not you drank alcohol or consumed drugs. You are not to blame.

Services in Ottawa for Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Medical Services

We encourage women to seek medical attention after an assault. There is a possibility that there may be internal injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection and/or unwanted pregnancy resulting from the assault. Doctors can administer antibiotics to prevent venereal disease and the "morning-after pill" to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Medical attention is also useful if the woman wants to report the assault to the police. If she chooses to have evidence collected, special procedures are followed and must be done within 72 hours after the assault.

She should seek medical attention wherever she feels most comfortable (family doctor, walk-in clinic, or a hospital-based sexual assault treatment centre). Below we list some of the features of the local hospital based sexual assault treatment centres in Ottawa to help women make informed decisions about where to go.

The Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (SAPACP)

The Ottawa Hospital
Civic Campus
1053 Carling Avenue.
24 Hour Telephone: 613-761-4366
TTY: 613-761-4140

For adults 16 years and older.

This program is located within the emergency department at the civic campus of the general hospital and consists of a team of professionals who provide medical care as well as support for emotional, legal and social concerns. If the survivor wants, the staff will collect the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit, and work in collaboration with Ottawa Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police to explore her reporting options.

If she decides that she does not want to report the assault or have them collect evidence, she is free to just have a medical examination at this clinic. If she is unsure, she can have the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit administered and then decide if she wants to report the assault (the evidence can be frozen for six months).

The SAPACP has staff that are fluent in English/French; TDD telephones available for the deaf/hearing impaired; a low examining chair for easy transfer from a wheelchair, free sign language and cultural interpretation. Medications are provided free of charge. For more information on the procedures and/or the options women have with regards to medical care, please contact the Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program or the ORCC 24-Hour Crisis Line: 613-562-2333.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

401 Smyth Rd. Ottawa
Emergency: 613-737-2328
TDD: 613-737-2332

For children 0 to 18 years.

Counselling

  • If you decide to call the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre you can expect to get:
  • Support from a counselor on the 24-hour Crisis-Line
  • Crisis appointment with a counselor
  • Accompaniment to the Civic Hospital
  • Accompaniment to Police Services

Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour Crisis-Line - 613-562-2333

Why is it important to get support/counselling?

There is no right or wrong way to react to sexual violence. A victim/survivor may wonder if she should or should not be feeling a certain way, how long she should feel it for or whether she should "be over it by now." A counsellor can help a woman understand that she is not alone, that whatever she feels is good and right for her; and that each woman responds in her own way.

A counsellor can also provide information about a victim/survivor's rights and options after the assault. In addition to the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre, the following organizations provide counselling and support to women in Ottawa who have experienced sexual violence:

CALACS – Francophone d'Ottawa

24-Hour Crisis Line: 613-789-9117
TDD: 613-789-9596

Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC)

24-Hour Crisis Line: 613-234-2266
TDD: 613-725-1657