1. Hospital Care
2. Sexual Health Clinics
3. Family Physician
4. Walk - In Clinic
5. You have the right to do nothing.
   

1. Hospital Care
   You may go to any hospital's emergency department; however, the Sexual Assault Treatment Centre (SATC, Niagara), is a regional program which provides immediate and specialized service to females or males who have been sexually assaulted within the last 72 hours, and is located at the St. Catharines General Hospital, located on 142 Queenston Street. (for a listing of hospitals, go to Resources)
   
   
   1. Physical Examination
      You can choose to have a physical examination completed, even if you decline the Forensic Evidence Kit. This may include an internal examination and a physical examination. The treatment of injuries, pregnancy testing, the testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases will be offered.
      
      
   2. Forensic Evidence Kit
      The Forensic Evidence Kit, sometimes called the Rape Evidence Kit, is a method of collecting evidence from your body. It can only be completed in a hospital and may take four to five hours to complete. If you plan on completing the kit do not shower or drink anything before going to the hospital. At the Sexual Assault Treatment Centre, Niagara the physical examination and Forensic Evidence Kit can be done completely by a specialized nurse and/or physician on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
      
      Note: You do not have to agree to the Forensic Evidence Kit. You can have certain parts performed or you can refuse altogether. You have the right to stop the examination/kit at any time.
      
      The Forensic Evidence Kit consists of several components. Your physical condition will be assessed and you will be treated. Bruises, cuts and any other physical injuries will be noted. Your clothes will be put into an evidence bag for forensic testing. If possible bring a change of clothes with you to the hospital. An internal exam will be completed. Hair and blood samples will be taken as well. The evidence that is gathered will be used to determine the time the sexual assault occurred, to help in the identification of the rapist and as evidence in court.
    
   
2. Sexual Health Clinics
   You have the choice of going to a Sexual Health Clinic. At the clinic a number of procedures are provided including: testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (including Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS) For listing of clinics go to Resources
    
   
3. Family Physician
   You can go to your Family Physician to have a complete physical check - up performed. If you do not have a Family Physician or wish to go to a different physician you can call the Nurse's and Physician's Registry at 905 641 5007. The Registry will provide you with the names and phone numbers of Physicians who are taking new patients.
    
   
4. Walk In Clinics
   You can choose to go to one of the area Walk-In Clinics to receive medical care. The clinic may offer blood test to determine if further medical care will be required. For listing of Walk -In Clinics go to Resources
    
   
5. You have the right to do nothing
   You do not have to seek medical attention. Whether you choose to seek medical care or not you can call the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre and receive counselling and support.

Legal Options

There are a number of options open to you in regards to reporting the crime to the police.

1. Make a statement
   If you choose to make a statement to the police, an officer can meet with you at various locations. You can choose to make a statement at the hospital at the time of the medical examination, at your home, at the police station, or at the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre.
   
   
2. ViClas
   Viclas is an anonymous third party report. The report consists of making a statement about the details of the sexual assault. You decide whether or not you want to be contacted at a later date, for example in the event of a trial or investigation.
   
   
3. You have the right to do nothing
   You do not have to report the sexual assault to the police. You have the right to report the sexual assault at a later date. Write down everything that you remember about the sexual assault: the time of day, date and location; along with a description of the rapist. Include even the smallest detail.
   
   Note: Crisis workers from the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre are available to support you through whatever process you choose to undertake. If you choose not to report the sexual assault, counselling and support services are still available to you.

Additional Legal Resources

The following two resources are included to provide additional insight into sexual assault and the criminal justice system as related to sexual assault. Both documents require the Adobe Acrobat Reader, if you do not have this browser plugin, please click the Get Acrobat button to download it now.

• Sexual Assault: Introduction to Legal Options
  
  
• Sexual Assault: Proceeding through the Criminal Justice System

Counselling Options

The Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre's goal is to be responsive to the needs of survivor's of sexual violence. counselling as practiced in a sexual assault/abuse setting has as its foundations, the concept of empowerment of the victim/survivor. Empowerment embodies the recognition that survivors can determine what is best for their lives if they are offered support, advocacy, resources and information

The philosophical basis of empowerment counselling recognizes that sexual assault victimization is the presenting problem.

The development of empowerment is accomplished through active listening, clarification of options, affirmation of the survivors decision making capabilities and consciousness raising about sexism and the cultural - norms which promote sexual violence. The goal of empowerment counselling is not only to return control to the survivor, but to support them in moving from victim/survivor to thriver.

Appointments will not be booked by email.
Call 905-682-7258 to book an appointment.