“I was just raped. I don’t know what to do.”
IF YOU ARE IN DANGER NOW, CALL 911.
GO TO A SAFE PLACE.
WHAT HAPPENED WAS NOT YOUR FAULT.
What do I do next?
If you have been sexually assaulted you can go to the St. Catharines General Hospital; Emergency Department located at 1200 Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines.
You will be treated and offered the following choices at the sexual assault treatment centre:
Care and treatment up to 12 days after a sexual assault
Medical treatment and care
Collection and documentation of physical evidence for completion of a Sexual Assault Evidence kit, which may be used in legal proceedings. (The evidence kit can be stored by the hospital for up to 12 months while you decide what you want to do).
Legal options. NO ONE WILL CALL POLICE WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT.
Follow-up care and referrals, i.e. counselling services, community support
A hospital response worker from our centre will be called by the hospital to provide support and advocacy for you and any family members or friends in attendance.
I would like more information.
Call the Crisis Support Line at 905-682-4584. You will be connected to a person who will walk you through the process of getting help at your own pace.
What is a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit?
A Sexual Assault Evidence Kit is the collection of evidence from your body and clothing worn during or immediately after a sexual assault. This evidence can only be collected if the assault happened within the last 10 days or within the last 72 hours if you are under 13 years old.
It is recommended that evidence be collected as soon as possible after a sexual assault. If you’re able, try to avoid activities that may potentially damage evidence such as:
Showering
Bathing
Using the restroom
Changing clothes
Cleaning up the area
It’s natural to want to go through these motions after a traumatic experience. If you have done any of these activities, you can still have an exam performed. You may want to bring a spare change of clothes with you to the hospital.
