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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