AN INFORMATION GUIDE FOR ALL
VICTIMS/SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
Victim Support Unit Ottawa Police Service
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
We are Here to Help
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What is Sexual Assault?
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Your Options
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What to Expect
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Sexual Assault Investigations
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The Court Process
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Coping Strategies
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Financial Assistance
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Help and Counselling in Ottawa
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My Contacts
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Special thanks to Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit for permission to adapt their guide.
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WE ARE HERE TO HELP We recognize this is a very difficult time for you. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is here to help. It is our duty to conduct a professional and thorough investigation. This guide has been created to help you understand the legal processes that are associated with sexual assault and to offer a wide range of resources to support you as you move forward in your recovery. We recognize that it can be overwhelming to navigate the various organizations and phone numbers. Please know that this is normal. The OPS’ Victim Support Unit (VSU) can help you with these first steps. The VSU staff will be able to discuss your needs and help you find the best service match in the community. They are available to meet with you in person or over the phone at your convenience. In this resource guide you will find information on sexual assault investigations, the criminal justice process, community resources, financial assistance programs, professional counselling, and support services in Ottawa.
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WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT? Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual touching that occurs in circumstances of a sexual nature and violates the sexual integrity of the victim. It can include many types of touching or activity from kissing to sexual intercourse. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, of any, age, gender, sexual orientation, race, or income level.
Consent is NOT GIVEN when: ‣ you are unconscious; ‣ you are incapacitated by the use of alcohol or drugs; ‣ you fear the consequences of not consenting; ‣ you feel threatened or intimidated; ‣ you are coerced (compelled to submit through intimidation, threats, misuse of authority, manipulation, tricking or bribing with actions and words); ‣ you are physically forced to comply; ‣ you say “no”, either verbally or physically (e.g., crying, kicking, turning away, putting clothes back on, etc.); and/or ‣ you have a disability or mental health condition that prevents you from providing consent Do I have to say “no” to show that I do not consent? You can show that you do not consent by your words or actions such as struggling, trying to leave, or making excuses to try and get out of the situation. What if I agree to the sexual activity at first, and then I change my mind? You can say NO to anything at any time. What about intoxication? A person has to have the capacity to consent to sexual activity. A person who is extremely intoxicated by drugs or alcohol may not have the capacity to consent to sexual activity. A court would look at all of the circumstances to determine whether that person had the mental capacity to consent to the sexual activity.
Sexual assault can cause trauma. It can result in unpleasant feelings, thoughts, sensations, and emotions both during and after the assault. Responses to highly stressful situations vary from person to person and not all people will experience the same reactions at the same level of intensity, or for the same length of time. However, it is important to recognize that whatever the reaction is, it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the process. If OPS lays criminal charges, both the Crown Attorney’s office and the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) will work with police to guide you through the process. Sexual assault can be committed by anyone; a stranger, a friend, a partner, a family member or a person in a position of authority or trust. Sexual assault is never your fault. It does not matter what situation you were in, or who you were with or where you were. Sexual assault is the fault of the person who commits the crime. What does it mean to consent to sexual activity? Consent is the voluntary and active agreement which is given equally by participants to engage in a specific sexual activity. Consent implies that a person understands what they are agreeing to and the possible positive and negative consequences.
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VICTIM RIGHTS
YOUR OPTIONS
What are my options after I have been sexually assaulted? The following options are available to all victims/survivors of sexual assault with the exception of a sexual assault within a current or former intimate partner relationship (see page 13):
1. Report You may choose to report the assault to the police and provide a statement. In all non-emergency reports, you will first be contacted by a member of the VSU to review your options to ensure that you have an understanding of the process going forward as well as information on resources that are available in the community. Depending upon the nature of the sexual assault, the responding officer may suggest you attend the regional Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (SAPACP) at the Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus (for those age 16 and older) for your injuries to be assessed and treated as well as to complete a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK). If you are 17 years old or younger, medical care will be offered through the Sexual Assault Care (SAC) program at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). 2. Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) You may choose to have a SAEK completed at the hospital. You then have the choice of requesting police involvement or not. The test results will be held for up to six months but can be held longer if you call the SAPACP to request an extension. Do not wash your clothing or bedding as it could compromise any available forensic evidence (i.e., bodily fluids) that could assist in the investigation now or at a future date. 3. Legal Advice You can contact 1-855-226-3904 by phone or go online at https://www.ontario.ca/page/independent- legal-advice-survivors-sexual-assault to access four free hours of independent legal advice if the sexual assault occurred in Ontario. This legal advice can inform you of the different options such as reporting to police and suing in civil court. It is available to any Ontario resident 16 years of age or older, regardless of whether or not you have reported the incident to police. 4. No Legal Action You may choose to refrain from taking any action. It is recommended that you reach out for help through your personal support network, community sexual assault resource staff, 2SLGBTQQIA+ and additional community specific resources, trained professional counsellors, your family doctor, and/ or peer support group.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
If I proceed with reporting to the police, what happens next? Once dispatched to a complaint of sexual assault, the responding officer will: ‣ Assess the physical and emotional condition of the victim/survivor after arriving at the location, and/or transfer them to hospital; ‣ Interact/engage with the victim/survivor in a manner that respects the individual’s personal identity (sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, faith, culture, ability, etc.); ‣ Secure the scene to preserve and protect all physical evidence; ‣ Conduct a brief interview with the victim/survivor in a private environment to ascertain basic details about the incident; ‣ Advise the victim/survivor of the option of having the OPS VSU respond to the scene to assist in providing support and crisis intervention or follow up in person or on the phone at a later time; and ‣ If the suspect is present and grounds exist to arrest, the officer may arrest the suspect and transport them to the police station.
What is a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK)? The SAEK is a kit that contains various supplies used to collect evidence from your body which may be analyzed by the Centre of Forensic Sciences. This evidence can be helpful in the police investigation and potential prosecution of your case. This evidence is collected at the hospital by a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). The nurse will meet you in the emergency room at the Civic Hospital and bring you to their specialized unit within the hospital where your care will take place. You will be informed of all the samples that are required and you are able to guide this process, determining if you wish to participate in all or none of the collection process. A sexual assault evidence kit can be completed within 12 days of the assault. However, it is important to know that as time passes physical evidence will likely be lost as a result of natural bodily processes including the healing process. Therefore, it is highly encouraged to present to the hospital sooner rather than later. Clothing and related items may still be accepted for forensic analysis after 12 days. You may find it beneficial for an emotional support person to accompany you to the hospital during this time. You can decide to stop the process at any time.
You have the right to request a police officer of the gender you feel most comfortable with.
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HOW LONG WILL THE POLICE PROCESS TAKE?
After your initial report is taken by responding officers you can expect that your file will be assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit and the VSU (if not already engaged). Response time at this stage is dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to, the evidence-gathering process and the availability of resources. These processes can take weeks or months. We recognize that wait times for your case to move along can be very stressful, so it is important to access those supports and resources that are available to you. Can I report a sexual assault years after it occurred? In Canada, there is no statute of limitation for sexual offences which means you can report it to the police no matter how long ago it happened, and someone can be charged with sexual assault. The passage of time does, however, impact the ability of police to gather evidence. What if I work in the sex trade? Anyone can be sexually assaulted at any time, anywhere, and by anyone. This means that a sex trade worker can be sexually assaulted by a client. Any sexual contact that was not consensually agreed to is a sexual assault. Working as a sex trade worker is not an offence so you will not be arrested for that if you report a sexual assault to police. What if the sexual assault involves my former or current intimate partner? Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is any use of physical or sexual force (actual or threatened) in an intimate relationship (current or former). It also may include harassing behaviour. Anyone can be a victim/survivor of IPV. Intimate partner relationships include those between current or former spouses, common-law partners, and/or dating partners. These relationships vary in duration and legal formality. There is a provincial mandate that directs all police officers in Ontario to proceed with charges specifically related to IPV. If, in the course of an IPV investigation, it is determined that a sexual assault has been committed and reasonable grounds are established to lay charges, the police shall proceed with charges regardless of the victim/survivor’s wishes. Officers will explain to the victim/survivor and the accused that it is the duty of the police to lay a charge. Only a Crown Attorney can withdraw a charge, but this would only occur after a careful review of the investigation, including victim input.
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SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATIONS
Who will investigate my case? All sexual assault cases are investigated by police officers who are specifically trained in the area of sexual assault investigations. The training that sexual assault investigators receive is focused on creating a consistent and thorough investigation into sexual assault cases while respecting the needs of the victims and witnesses. The training is designed to enhance investigations of sexual assault by promoting best practices in addition to victim sensitivity.
A Sexual Assault Investigator will be assigned and will:
‣ Encourage the collection of all evidence including a SAEK, as necessary; ‣ Connect the victim/survivor with the VSU; ‣ Assess and discuss with the victim/survivor where and when an in-depth interview will take place. (The majority of interviews take place at the police station and are videotaped); ‣ Advise the victim/survivor that they may have the assistance of a support person of their choice before or after the interview; this could include a person from Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) or a community sexual assault service; and ‣ Keep the victim/survivor informed of the progress of the investigation in a timely manner.
‣ Investigate the incident fully; ‣ Investigators will sometimes ask questions that you may feel are repetitive, personal in nature, or judgmental such as “What were you wearing at the time?” or “How much alcohol had you consumed?” It’s important to remember the investigators are not passing judgment but rather seeking clarification to ensure they gather all of the facts and will not have to re-interview you at a later date; ‣ Work with victims/survivors in a manner that acknowledges and respects individual identity related concerns or needs (i.e. faith-based accommodations, community specific resources, etc.); ‣ Lay charges when appropriate as per Provincial policing standards; ‣ Ensure the victim/survivor has access to medical care;
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If required for the investigation, police may need to interview others who were aware of the incident or in the vicinity and/or review cell phone and social media records (sometimes even seizing the cellphone). It is important to note this process can take some time and varies with each investigation. This can take weeks or months to complete but you will be updated as the investigation proceeds to the next steps. The majority of evidence (e.g., video interview or medical records) is often disclosable to the defence attorney. The Crown will review all evidence. If you wish to proceed and make a statement to the police but do not wish to participate in the court process there may be two options; ‣ You can submit a report for information purposes only. The report will be closed but can be reopened at a later date. Please remember that delays in investigations often compromise the ability to gather evidence. ‣ You can submit a report that will be assigned to an investigator for investigation and the subject formally warned/cautioned about the behaviour. A caution may or may not prevent further incidents in the future but can be used to collect statistical data. The caution is noted in the Ottawa police report and kept in OPS records.
What happens after charges are laid? If charges are laid, the Crown Attorney’s office becomes involved. The victim/survivor will be contacted by the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Victim Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) to assist them with multiple services related to the criminal justice process (see court process section for details). Once a person has been arrested and charged with a crime, they become the ‘accused.’ Depending on the circumstances, the police can hold the accused in custody for a bail hearing or release them with conditions.
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The victim/survivor’s input into the bail process, including possible conditions of release at a bail hearing, can be provided to the Crown through the investigator and/or V/ WAP. If the police have not released the accused from the police station, the accused must go before a Justice of the Peace (JP) or a judge within 24 hours of the arrest for a bail hearing. If an accused is granted bail, you will be notified of the release by the courts. The accused may be subject to certain release conditions (i.e., no contact with the victim/
survivor), may have to be supervised by a surety and/or may have had to pledge or pay money (either alone or with a surety). V/WAP will be able to provide you with a copy of the conditions of release once they obtain the court file. The victim/survivor will only have to attend court if there is a preliminary hearing and/or a trial and they are subpoenaed. Although the identity of the victim/survivor is always protected, police may issue a media release in relation to the investigation in certain circumstances.
WHAT IF THE OFFENDER IS NOT LOCATED?
Sexual assault cases remain open if the accused has not been located or is “at large.”
General information about the sexual assault, including the date, time, and location of the assault will be included in the news release. The news release will also include a description of the person alleged to be responsible, if that person is not yet known, or it will include the name and age of the person if they have been identified.
Do police always charge the accused?
Sometimes the police will decide not to lay a charge. This does not mean that the police do not believe you or that the sexual assault did not happen. It may mean that there is not enough evidence to prove a criminal charge in court. If this occurs, the investigators can explain why this has happened in your case. The investigators can tell you of other assistance available to you, some of which are listed in this guide. Will everyone know what happened to me? Your privacy is very important to us. When a sexual assault is reported to the police, a review of all the information is completed to determine if a news release is required. Generally, a news release is issued if: ‣ There is a risk to public safety; ‣ Information from the public may help solve the case; and/or ‣ It is believed that more victims might come forward.
Your name will never be released to the media by police.
If charges are laid the Crown will seek a publication ban to protect your identity. Close of Investigation Letters At the end of your investigation, you will be contacted by your sexual assault investigator to ask whether you would like to receive a close of investigation letter. This letter outlines specifics about your investigation such as how it was classified and closed. A list of community resources will also be provided. If you choose to accept the letter, you will then select the delivery method of your choice; mailed to your residence, sent electronically through email or, left in a confidential envelope at the front desk of the closest Ottawa Police Service station.
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THE COURT PROCESS If criminal charges have been laid but you feel overwhelmed or decide that you do not wish to continue, the Crown Attorney will work with you to address your concerns and provide support. While decisions about the prosecution and whether to discontinue it are ultimately those of the Crown Attorney, your input is critical and your well-being is a foremost consideration.
Disclosure The Crown is required to disclose most evidence gathered in the police investigation to the defence attorney. Anything you say to the police or other justice officials may be disclosed. You have the right to your own lawyer if any party seeks to gain access to records about you that are kept by your service provider(s). How long does the court process take? In 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada released a decision impacting unreasonable delays in court. This is important as it provides a clear mandate to the Crown Attorney to ensure a fair but expedited court process. The length of time a case is tried has significantly been reduced by the Crown Attorney’s office which is also able to provide guidance and support through the legal process. The length of the court process varies widely and depends on a number of factors. If the accused pleads guilty, the court process will finish more quickly than if there is a trial. Generally speaking, court matters that go directly to a trial will be completed within 18 months. Court matters that proceed to a preliminary hearing and a trial will generally be completed within 30 months.
This extended period may be difficult for you. It is important to obtain support during this time. There are many services available in your community. Please refer to the Resources page and speak to your assigned worker at the Victim Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) if you need further information about the court process or would like to be referred to community supports. Once Charges are Laid Once charges are laid, your case will be referred to a case worker in the V/WAP located at: Ottawa Courthouse 161 Elgin Street, Fourth Floor Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K1 613-239-1229
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THE VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (V/WAP) Assistance begins once the police have laid charges and continue until the case is finished. V/WAP is located in the courthouse with the goal of guiding you through the court process. The role of your case worker will be to inform you of the status of the criminal court case and answer your questions about the criminal justice system, courtroom procedures and your role in court.
The V/WAP will:
‣ Help you understand what to expect at each court date and keep you informed about case progression; ‣ Provide you with copies of court papers such as bail conditions and probation orders upon request; ‣ Provide referrals to community agencies; ‣ Offer ongoing emotional support throughout the court process; ‣ Be respectful of and sensitive/responsive to all victim/survivor personal identity characteristics (sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, faith, culture, ability etc.); ‣ Act as a liaison on the client’s behalf with the Crown and the police, including providing your input to the Crown; ‣ Help you complete a Victim Impact Statement; ‣ Coordinate with the Crown Attorney’s office to have you meet with the Crown Attorney should you be required to testify; ‣ Provide court orientation/preparation and determine if testimonial aids are needed; and ‣ De-briefing and follow-up service
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What happens between the time charges are laid and the trial? Once charges are laid, the accused must attend court for several “set date” appearances. During this time, the accused will receive disclosure of the contents of the police investigation, they may obtain a lawyer or the assistance of legal aid duty counsel, and they will usually decide whether to plead guilty or set a date for trial, or preliminary hearing and trial. It may take several court appearances for the accused to complete these steps. The only time that a victim/survivor needs to attend these court appearances is if they receive a subpoena. The Crown Attorney’s Office A Crown Attorney will be assigned to review the police investigation. Once a preliminary hearing or trial date is set, it is their responsibility to meet with you and prepare you for the process. The preparation is usually done with the investigating police officer and V/WAP representatives. If there is a finding of guilt or a firm indication of a guilty plea prior to sentencing, the Crown Attorney, V/WAP or the investigating officer will advise you that a Victim Impact Statement may be prepared for consideration at the time of sentencing. If the accused chooses to plead not guilty, you will most likely be required to testify at the preliminary hearing (if there is one) and at the trial. V/WAP will be available to provide you with assistance as well as referrals to community services. The assigned Crown Attorney is responsible for the case and will make many of the decisions about how the trial will proceed. Your input is valuable to the assigned Crown. The Crown Attorney is employed by the government and, unlike the accused who may have hired their own lawyer, is not your personal lawyer. As a result, what you say to the Crown is not privileged or confidential and is disclosable to the defence. There is no cost for the services provided by the Crown or V/WAP.
What is a publication ban? At the first court appearance, the Crown, in most cases, will often apply for an order banning the publication of any evidence that may identify the victim/survivor, which includes not publishing your name. Under section 486 of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC), a judge may prohibit the publication of identifying information about a complainant or witnesses in certain proceedings related to sexual offences (among other things). If you do not want a publication ban, please advise the police and V/WAP as soon as possible who will communicate your wishes to the Crown.
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PRELIMINARY HEARING/TRIAL A preliminary hearing is a hearing in front of a judge. It is usually not required for each case but depends on the charges laid. At a preliminary hearing, the judge will decide if the Crown Attorney has enough evidence to proceed to trial. You will most likely have to testify in a preliminary hearing. Other witnesses may have to testify as well. Finding of Guilt The accused may choose to enter a plea of guilty to the charge or charges. In other words, they may choose to acknowledge in court that they committed the offence, or part of it. If the court finds the accused guilty, or there is a firm indication of a guilty plea prior to sentencing, the Crown Attorney will invite you to complete a Victim Impact Statement. This statement is your opportunity to share how the sexual assault has affected your life. It is taken into consideration by the judge for sentencing. Your V/WAP worker can help you with completing your statement, but it is optional. Please note that your Victim Impact Statement must be received in a timely fashion ahead of the sentencing date and will be disclosed to the defence attorney and shared with the accused. You may read your statement aloud in court or through alternate formats (which can be discussed with your Victim/Witness Services Case Worker) or it can be filed with the judge.
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WHAT KIND OF SENTENCING CAN A JUDGE ORDER?
In some circumstances, the Court can order that the offender serve their time in the community rather than attend a custodial facility. During this time the offender will be subject to various restrictions on their liberty. This is called a conditional sentence and cannot exceed two years, less a day. A penitentiary sentence is when an offender is ordered to serve two years or more in jail. There cannot be any probation order once a custodial sentence exceeds two years. Probation: Offenders will be supervised by, and in most cases must visit a probation officer. An offender usually has rules to follow that are listed on the Probation Order. These rules, known as conditions, may include not using alcohol; staying away from certain areas or people; attending counselling; seeking or maintaining employment; and/ or obeying a curfew. A Probation Order cannot last more than three years. If the offender violates any one of the conditions of probation, he/she may be arrested and charged with a new offence for a “Breach of Probation.” For more information about Victim Impact Statements, visit canada.ca/victims.
Absolute or Conditional Discharge: A Discharge is a finding of guilt but no formal registration of a conviction. It permits people found guilty to indicate that they don’t have a criminal record. If the sentence is an Absolute Discharge – there is no other sanction, and the “sentence” is at an end. If the Court imposes a Conditional Discharge – the offender is subject to a period of probation. Suspended Sentence: A conviction is formally registered. The offender will be subject to a period of probation. Fine: Can be imposed as a standalone sanction or in conjunction with a period of probation. Custody: The Canadian criminal justice system has several types of custodial sentences. An intermittent sentence refers to a jail sentence that allows an offender to still work for periods of time – while entering a custodial facility for prescribed short periods. Typically, offenders serve their custodial sentence on weekends and work from home during the week. A probation order will run during this timeframe, so the offender is always subject to a Court order – whether or not in custody. A reformatory sentence is served in a provincial jail within Ontario. The maximum sentence is two years, less a day. Often there will also be a probation order in effect once someone is finished the custodial sentence.
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COPING STRATEGIES A traumatic incident falls outside of normal everyday life and you may need some new strategies to cope. For some people, the traumatic event can get stuck in the brain and body, and you may need assistance from a trained professional counsellor to move through this experience. Do not be afraid to ask for support from your family members, friends, community and networks, doctors, clergy, and/or a counsellor.
Helpful things to do may include:
‣ Talk to someone you trust — it is important to reach out at this time; ‣ Give yourself permission to seek professional help through community sexual assault resource staff, trained professional counsellors, through work with your Employment Assistance Program (EAP), your family doctor, peer support groups, or community supports and networks; ‣ Spend time with supportive family, friends and/or peers; ‣ Try to avoid overuse of alcohol, drugs and/or caffeine; ‣ Acknowledge your response to the situation and give yourself permission to have difficult moments (peer support groups may be beneficial); ‣ Try to avoid self-blame, guilt and defeating thoughts — replace them with positive affirmations instead; ‣ Resist making life-changing decisions following a serious incident; ‣ It takes time to heal so be gentle and patient with yourself; ‣ Try to maintain your regular routine to help prevent feelings of isolation; ‣ Try to eat healthy foods and exercise; ‣ Be aware that traumatic events can sometimes bring back memories of other sad or traumatic events that have happened in your life, and this is normal; ‣ Practice deep breathing exercises, meditate, or try other activities that may enhance your emotional well-being; and ‣ Don’t try to fight dreams or flashbacks. They are normal and usually become less intense and painful over time. If they do not appear to be decreasing over time, you may need to seek professional assistance as there are many useful strategies to work through these.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
As a victim/survivor of a sexual assault, there are financial options available.
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) The OPS and its VSU work in collaboration with Ottawa Victim Services. The Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) is made available by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and is administered by Ottawa Victim Services. This program provides short-term financial assistance to victims in the aftermath of specific crimes such as sexual assault, historical child sexual abuse, non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and voyeurism.
Eligible expense categories that may be accessed through the VQRP+ include:
‣ Safety expenses ‣ Home safety ‣ Cellular phones ‣ Practical assistance expenses and basic necessities ‣ Meals and groceries ‣ Emergency dependent and pet care ‣ Eyeglasses and exams ‣ Dental ‣ Aids for victims living with disabilities ‣ Interpretation services ‣ Government and medical documents
‣ Travel and associated expenses ‣ Crime scene clean-up
‣ Counselling services, traditional Indigenous health services and associated transportation expenses ‣ Support for victims with serious injuries
There are specific eligibility guidelines for this program. To find out whether you qualify for this program, contact Ottawa Victim Services at 613-238-2762 or ask your OPS VSU counsellor to make a referral to them.
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HELP AND COUNSELLING IN OTTAWA
The following resources may be of assistance to you throughout the duration of your recovery.
Please note that this list of resources is not exhaustive. The OPS VSU counsellor will work with you to assess your individual needs and help connect you to the most appropriate community resource. Alternately, you may also contact 211 Ontario (a helpline that connects people to social services, programs and community supports) by dialing 211.
Ottawa Police Service Victim Support Unit (VSU) ‣ Contact: 613- 236-1222 ext. 2223, email victimcrisisunitintake@ottawapolice.ca ‣ Website: ottawapolice.ca/VSU ‣ OPS counsellors provide crisis intervention, assessments, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
Victim Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) ‣ Contact: 613-239-1229 ‣ Website: https://ontario.ca/page/victimwitness- assistance-program [ontario.ca] ‣ Court based program that provides information and support to victims and witnesses of crime in order for them to better understand and participate in the criminal court process when charges are laid.
‣ We work in partnership with Ottawa Victim Services, which is a community based non-profit organization.
‣ See page 23 for a full description of their services
Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) ‣ Contact: 613-238-2762 ‣ Website: ovs-svo.com ‣ Community based service
The Child & Youth Witness Support Program (CYWSP) through Counselling and Family Services Ottawa
‣ Provides emotional support, practical assistance, referrals, and advocacy to individuals who have been victimized as a result of a crime or tragic circumstance. ‣ Administers the Victim Quick Response Program + in Ottawa.
‣ Contact: 613-233-8478 ‣ Website: cfsottawa.ca
‣ Provides information, assistance and support to children and youth ages 17 and under (and their families) who are required to provide testimony in criminal court (victims and witnesses). ‣ Provides accompaniment to court. ‣ Assistance with victim impact statements. ‣ Post-court follow-up.
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Independent Legal Advice for Survivors of Sexual Assault ‣ Contact: 1-855-226-3904 ‣ Website: Ontario.ca/page/independent-legal-advice- sexual-assault-victims ‣ If you are a victim of sexual assault, over the age of 16, live in Ontario and the sexual assault occurred in Ontario, this program may provide up to four hours of free legal advice. Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC) ‣ Contact: 613-562-2334 (office), 613-562-2333 (crisis) ‣ Website: orcc.net ‣ Provides a 24/7 crisis line, chat and text support, group counselling/support, art therapy, individual counselling provided by psychotherapists in English to trans and cis women, trans and cis men, and gender non-binary people, 16 years and older. Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa ‣ Contact: 613-725-2160 (office), 613-234-2266 (24- hour support line) ‣ Website: sascottawa.com ‣ Provides a 24/7 support line, individual and group
Counselling and Family Services Ottawa (CFS Ottawa) ‣ Contact: 613-233-8478 ‣ Website: cfsottawa.ca ‣ Provides individual, couple, family counselling and groups. ‣ Offers a sliding fee scale; some programs are no cost, contact them for more information. ‣ Individual and group counselling for francophone sexual abuse survivors, individual counselling and awareness sessions for partners and friends of survivors to help them understand and support survivors through the healing process. Le Centre d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions a charactere sexuel (CALACS) ‣ Contact : 613-789-8096 ‣ Website: calacs.ca ‣ Support services provided to female-identifying survivors of sexual violence. Ligne Fem’Aide ‣ Contact : 1-877-336-2433 ‣ Website : femaide.ca ‣ 24/7 crisis line ‣ Ligne d’assistance pour les femmes victimes de violences.
support, peer support model, young women’s project (14-24), women and war program, and accompaniments to hospital, police, courts.
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The Ottawa Hospital Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (SAPACP) ‣ Contact: 613-798-5555 x13770 ‣ Website: ottawahospital.on.ca/en/clinical-services/ deptpgrmcs/programs/sexual-assault-and-partner- abuse-care-program/ ‣ Can be accessed 24/7 through the emergency department at the Civic Hospital. ‣ Provides individualized services to any person 16 years and older who has recently been sexually assaulted. ‣ Healthcare services include injury assessment, treatment and documentation, sexually transmitted Infection (STI) testing and treatment, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing. ‣ Collection and storage of SAEK with or without police involvement. ‣ Anonymous reports to police. ‣ Outpatient clinic. Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) for Adolescent and Preadolescent Survivors of Sexual Assault ‣ Contact: 613-737-7600 ext. 2939 or 613-737-2329 (Emergency Department) ‣ Website: https://cheo.on.ca/en/clinics-services- programs/sexual-assault-abuse-care-program.aspx ‣ Provides 24/7 acute care for immediate medical needs and follow up to sexual assault survivors ages 17 years and younger. ‣ Psychosocial support, crisis intervention, trauma counselling and referrals to internal CHEO services as well as to community resources. ‣ Forensic evidence collection and storage.
Tungasuvvingat Inuit- Urban Inuit Community Centre ‣ Contact: (613)565-5885 ‣ Website: tungasuvvingatinuit.ca ‣ Provides crisis support, individual counselling, family counselling adapted to the needs of Inuit clients. Minwaashin Lodge- Indigenous Women’s Support Centre ‣ Contact: 613-741-5590 ‣ Website: minlodge.com ‣ Trauma-informed counselling for First Nations, Inuit and Metis women and families. Centertown Community Health Centre
‣ Contact: 613-233-4443 x 2109 ‣ Website: centretownchc.org ‣ 2SLGBTQIA+ Counselling
‣ Provides short term individual counselling (up to 8 sessions) for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, nonbinary, Trans, queer, intersex, asexual people. Counsellors are from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Kind Space (formerly Pink Triangle Services) ‣ Contact: 613-563-4818 ‣ Website: kindspace.ca ‣ Provides free LGBTQ+ community and peer support programming
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Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) ‣ Contact: 613-725-0202 ‣ Website: ociso.org ‣ Offers free community support, services, programs, and counselling to the immigrant and refugee population of Ottawa, provides language and culture-specific individual, couple, family, and group counselling, and specialized work with refugees, and victims of abuse and torture. Youth Services Bureau (YSB) ‣ Contact: 24/7 Youth Mental Health Info & Crisis Line- Phone: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 ‣ Chat: 24/7 Online Crisis Chat: chat.ysb.ca ‣ Website: ysb.ca ‣ Virtual walk-in clinic: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-8 p.m., Phone: 613-562-3004 Call and leave a message, clinic will call back within 30 min to connect to counselor. ‣ Family and youth counselling, Phone: 613-562-3004. Call and leave a message identifying interest in youth and family counselling. The Counselling Group ‣ Contact: 613-722-2225 x 352 or email intake@jfsottawa.com ‣ Website: thecounsellinggroup.com ‣ Provides individual, couple & family counselling for adults, children, youth; Offers sliding fee scale.
Family Services of Ottawa (FSO) ‣ Contact: (613) 725-3601, ‣ Website: familyservicesottawa.org ‣ Provides individual, couple and family counselling; provides counselling and support program for 2SLGBTQQIA+ clients and anti-violence program for women and children. ‣ Offers a sliding fee scale; some programs are at no cost, please contact them for more information. LBGTQ Youth Line ‣ Contact: 1-800-268-9688 ‣ Website: youthline.ca ‣ Peer support program with trained volunteers between ages of 16 to 29 Kids Help Phone ‣ Contact: 1-800-668-6868 ‣ •Website: kidshelpphone.ca
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MY CONTACTS:
Officer in Charge
Position:
Business Phone:
E-mail:
Office Location:
OPS Occurrence Number:
Have you provided your updated contact information to the investigating officer and your VSU worker? For more information, please contact:
Victim Support Unit Ottawa Police Service
474 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario (613) 236-1222 ext. 2223 victimcrisisunitintake@ottawapolice.ca ottawapolice.ca/VSU
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474 Elgin Street
Mailing address: P.O. Box 9634, Station T Ottawa, Ontario K1G 6H5 Phone: 613-236-1222 ext. 2223 victimcrisisunitintake@ottawapolice.ca ottawapolice.ca/VSU
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