Hospital Response Program
The Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre (NRSAC) is part of a specialized ‘Sexual Assault Response Team’ (SART) in Niagara designed to respond to recent victims of sexual assault.
A Hospital Response Worker (HRW) will attend along with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) to provide immediate medical, emotional support and information to anyone (male or female) presenting for a recent sexual assault (within the past 3 days).
The HRW is available to provide survivors support and understanding, while countering effects of further trauma or secondary victimization. During the initial hours and days after an assault, women can be confused, overwhelmed, and most likely still in shock. The HRW:
- Provides immediate emotional support and information to anyone (male or female) who has been sexually assault within the past 3 days.
- Provides emotional support and information to anyone in attendance with the victim
- Provides advocacy and accompaniment during treatment and any police involvement requested by the victim
- Provides resources for crisis support and counseling
Getting Medical Attention
If you have been assaulted within the last 3 days, you can report to any Niagara Health Site where you will be medically treated and then referred to the Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Program – Niagara (SADV), located at the St. Catharines General Site.
If you have recently been sexually assaulted:
It is recommended that you have a medical examination, even if you do not have apparent injuries. Your medical care includes any necessary treatment of injuries both internal and external, tests for sexually transmitted infections, and treatment for possible pregnancy. You may choose a forensic examination to gather evidence that may be used in court- regardless of whether you report the assault to the police at this time. If you are considering reporting to police, it is helpful not to shower, bathe, douche, change or destroy clothes, or straighten up the area where the assault occurred. This could be used as evidence by the police.
Deciding which medical service is best is an individual decision that can only be made by you. Many women feel exhausted going through the medical procedures, however many also feel this process is personally validating and helps them regain a sense of control. We encourage receiving medical attention, however if you choose not to, consider practicing protected sex to avoid passing on any possible sexually transmitted infections you may have contracted.
What happens at the hospital?
At the hospital, you will be asked for basic personal information, such as your name, address, age, and OHIP number. Once it’s indicated that you were sexually assaulted, the triage nurse will automatically contact the SADV program and request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and a Hospital Response Worker (HRW), on your behalf. The SANE worker and HRW should be there within a half an hour to provide you with support, information, and understanding.
| Options for Medical Attention at the Hospital: | |
|---|---|
| Information Only | SANE and te HRW will provide information to the survivor |
| Medication Only | Required medication provided to the survivor |
| Medical Examination | SANE performs internal and/or external examination, plus treatment for pregnancy or potention sexually transmitted infections and other medication that is necessary |
| Forensic without Police involvement | A very thorough exam including medical examination and required medication as well as, the collection of any forensic evidence of the sexual assault, for example pubic hair, sperm, dried blood stains, and fingernail scrapings. This evidence will be held in a locked freezer at the hospital, for up to a 6 months, or until survivor signs release form and the evidence is transferred over to the police. |
| Forensic with Police involvement | Exactly the same as Forensic without Police, but the police will be contacted immediately and evidence will be transferred to Police custody immediately following the exam. |
Blood work?
Why complete blood work if most sexually transmitted infections and a pregnancy test will not show results until weeks have gone by? The SANE is able to establish a baseline. A baseline provides the results of your blood from before the sexual assault. This allows medical professionals to compare your results from before and after the assault.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: If treated does not need follow-up, unless survivor reports having symptoms
Syphilis and HIV: Should be tested again in 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months
** Examinations for sexually transmitted infections should be completed within 1-2 weeks of the assault.
Purpose of Medical Follow-up
- To detect new infections acquired during or after the assault.
- To complete hepatitis B immunization, if required.
- To complete counseling and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections, if required.
- To monitor side effects and adherence to treatment.
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