Sexual Assault – Partner Assault
The Sexual Assault/Partner Assault Care Team consists of a specially trained group of professionals available for medical concerns 24/7 on-call through the Emergency Department at Sault Area Hospital, as well as counselling services by appointment.
- All services provided are confidential and free of charge
- Police involvement is an individual choice
Services are provided to people of all genders; adults, adolescents, and children who have been sexually assaulted or abused.
The Sexual Assault/Partner Assault Care Team provides the following services:
- Medical care including examination and treatment of injuries
- Documentation of incident and injuries
- Preventative treatment for sexually transmitted disease or infection
- Counselling referral and services
- Police involvement if requested
- Patient education and support
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a crime of violence – involving power, control and/or humiliation of another person. It is not a crime of lust, passion or desire.
Whether you are dating, married, living together, related, or just friends – violence is still a crime!
Where To Get Help
Sexual Assault Care Centre/Partner Assault Clinic at Sault Area Hospital offers the following emergency services for victims of sexual assault:
Medical/Emergency Care
- Medical care following a sexual assault is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays through the Emergency Department at Sault Area Hospital.
- Specially trained nurses and doctors are on call to provide support, examination and treatment of injuries or conditions from the assault.
- Preventative treatment for sexually transmitted diseases or infections is provided.
- Police involvement is an individual choice.
- Follow-up care is available.
- The Sexual Assault team of nurses and doctors will give all the information needed for the individual to make choices that are comfortable for him/her.
Counselling
- Counselling can be accessed after a recent or past sexual assault by calling the Sexual Assault Care Centre for an appointment.
- Professional counsellors are trained in a variety of treatment approaches to meet client needs.
- A full range of services including individual, family and group counselling is available.
How To Book An Appointment?
If you or someone you know requires medical attention related to sexual assault/abuse or domestic violence, proceed to Sault Area Hospital for immediate medical attention:
Sault Area Hospital Emergency Department
750 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6B 0A8
(705) 759-3434
For counselling related to sexual violence, contact:
Sexual Assault Care Centre/Partner Assault Clinic
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
(705) 759-5143
What Happens at the Hospital?
- The Emergency Department medically treats injuries requiring immediate attention (x-rays, stitches, cast, etc.)
- A specially trained Partner Assault Nurse will be called in and will accompany you to a quiet, private area to record information about the assault and your injuries. Your injuries can be photographed if you choose.
- If it is not safe to go home, the nurse will help you find a safe place.
- Information provided about where to access further support/counselling.
- A follow-up appointment and phone call within three days is offered.
It is Your Choice
If your partner has recently assaulted you, you may or may not choose to:
- Involve the police
- Have photographs taken of your injuries
- Have a follow-up phone call or appointment
Your choices will be respected in a quiet, private area by a specially trained nurse.
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child Sexual abuse is defined as any sexual activity imposed on a child by an adult or older child. It can range from touching, fondling or the exposing of genitals, to or, anal or genital penetration.
Sexually motivated nudity, involving a child in pornography, and inducing a child to touch another person for sexual purposes also constitutes sexual abuse. When the child is manipulated, tricked or forced into sexual activity, the older person is always responsible. Childhood sexual abuse is a betrayal of trust.
The Sexual Assault Care Centre at Sault Area Hospital offers the following emergency services for victims of sexual assault/abuse:
Medical/Emergency Care
- The Care Clinic provides gentle, child-friendly medical examinations for children 15 years and under who have been sexually abused or assaulted.
- Examinations and forensic evidence collection are done by a specially trained team, consisting of nurses and/or a doctor.
Counselling
- Counselling can be accessed after a recent or past sexual assault by calling the Sexual Assault Care Centre
- Counselling is available for children over the age of three with acute or historical sexual abuse experiences
- Support and education can be offered to parents/guardians
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence also called “intimate partner abuse,” ‘partner assault,’ “battering,” or “wife-beating,” refers to physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse that takes place in the context of an intimate relationship, including marriage.
Domestic violence is one of the most common forms of gender-based violence and is often characterized by long-term patterns of abusive behaviour and control.
The Partner Assault Clinic at Sault Area Hospital offers the following emergency services for victims of partner assault/domestic violence:
- Medical care and treatment of injuries
- Documentation of injuries for use as court evidence, if the victim chooses
- Safety planning/risk assessment
- Referral to shelters, counselling, programs and/or other community agencies
Additional Resources – Related Links, Community Partners etc.
Ontario Network of Sexual Assault /Domestic Violence Treatment Centers
The mandate of the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres is to address the health, psycho-social, and forensic needs of victims/survivors of sexual violence and/or domestic violence in a prompt, professional, and compassionate manner.
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.
Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC)
The Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) is a network of sexual assault centres across Ontario. We represent 31 English-language sexual assault centres. Our membership includes sexual assault centres from across Ontario, offering counselling, information and support services to survivors of sexual violence, including childhood sexual abuse and incest.
DRAW THE LINE
Draw The Line’ is an interactive campaign that aims to engage Ontarians in a dialogue about sexual violence. The campaign challenges common myths about sexual violence and equips bystanders with information on how to intervene safely and effectively.
It is our hope that ‘Draw the Line’ will educate Ontarians on how to spot sexual violence and empower them to make a difference.
1in6
The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives.
Our mission also includes serving family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.
Women In Crisis (Algoma) Inc.
Women In Crisis provides free temporary emergency shelter and support services 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for women who have or are experiencing abuse and violence.
Algoma Family Services
Algoma Family Services is a provider of specialized services for children, youth, adults and families in the Algoma District.
Our services are evidence-based, client-centred, family-focused and delivered by a team of skilled professionals.
Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services
Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services will assist the communities in their responsibility to strengthen families and communities for the safety and well-being of children by providing community-based services grounded in Anishnawbek values.
Sexual Assault Care
We are a specialized team of doctors, nurses and counsellors. We provide emergency medical treatment and emotional support to youth (over the age of 12), women, and men who have experienced a recent sexual assault. Our services are confidential and free of charge. We are able to take care of victims who have physical disabilities. We will arrange for interpreters to help us understand individuals who have difficulty with the English language. We are on call 24 hours a day.
Children’s Aid Society Algoma
The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is committed to protecting children and promoting their well-being by working collaboratively with children, families, and communities through service excellence.