Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (SADV) Treatment and Care

Our team provides care that is directed by you. If you wish to receive medical treatment from our program, we strongly encourage you to visit the Brantford General Hospital as soon as possible. Any injuries requiring medical attention will be treated by the emergency department staff.

Some treatment options are available within 12 days of the assault or abuse. You can choose any, or all of the following:

• Examination, assessment, treatment, and documentation of injuries.
• Pregnancy testing and pregnancy prevention (e.g. morning after pill).
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, Hepatitis B).
• Risk assessment and Safety Planning.
• Referral to community agencies for support.
• Follow-up care that checks on your well-being, gives results of any test or repeat tests if needed, follow-up on medications, etc.

If you are thinking about involving the police, forensic evidence can be collected. This can include:

Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK)/Forensic samples

This is the collection of evidence from your body and clothing worn during or immediately after the assault. This evidence can only be collected if the assault occurred within the last 12 days.

If possible, you should try not to shower, bathe or change clothes since evidence could be lost.

Photography

Photographs and body diagrams can be used to document any injuries and areas of pain. Photographs can be taken anytime after the assault and repeated later, as injuries can change over time.

If assault/abuse occurred more than 12 days ago, you can call, text or email our centre during daytime hours to speak with one of our nurses to talk about your options. These options could include:

• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Connections to community services and counseling

You still have the option to report the incident to police even if the assault/abuse happened more than 12 days ago.

Our team offers short-term and long-term trauma counselling to people who have experienced sexual violence and/or domestic (intimate partner) violence.

Referrals can be made by contacting the SADV team during business hours.

Phone: 519-751-5544 ext. 4449 | Email: infosadv@bchsys.org

Remember it is YOUR choice. You may decide to use any or all of our services. We are here to help you understand your options and support YOUR decisions.

Children can be seen anytime after an assault. Children may be seen at Brantford General Hospital, or referred to McMaster Children’s Hospital.

• Sexual Assault Centre of Brant | 519-751-3471

• Haldimand Norfolk Women’s Services | 1-800-265-8076

• Ganohkwasra | 519-445-4324

• Nova Vita | 519-752-4357

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline | 1-866-863-0511

• Kid’s Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868

• Senior Safety Line | 1-866-299-1011

• Sexual Assault Centre of Brant

• Haldimand Norfolk Women’s Services

• Ganohkwasra

• Nova Vita

• Victim Services - Brant

• Haldimand, Norfolk, Missisaugas of the New Credit First Nations

• Indigenous Victim Services - Six Nations Justice Department

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline

• Kid’s Help Phone

• Senior Safety Line

• Child and Family Services of Grand Erie

• Human Trafficking Hotline

• Legal Aid

For answers to frequently asked questions, click here.