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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