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 EMERGENCIES 
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Have you ever:

• had sex with someone when you weren’t really sure if you wanted to?
• been forced to have sex with someone because you weren’t asked if you were willing, or because you were ignored when you said “no”?
• had sex with someone because you felt pressured to or feared you’d lose your relationship if you didn’t?
• been told by a date or partner there was something wrong with you because you didn’t agree to have sex?
• had sex with someone because you were drunk or high?
• had sex with someone because you felt afraid of him or what might happen if you didn’t?
• had sex because you were forced physically or threatened with harm?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you have experienced sex against your will.

That is sexual assault.

SUPPORT OPTIONS
For Survivors of
Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual Assault is any form of sexual contact without your consent. It can include kissing, touching, grabbing, and forced intercourse. Sexual assault is an act of violence.

It can happen to anyone, but in the vast majority of cases women are sexually assaulted by men.

If this happens…what can you do?

• You can seek the supports you need to take care of yourself, such as medical attention
• You can choose who you involve in supporting you, whether that be your doctor, hospital, friends, family, police, counsellors or others
• You can choose to report the sexual assault to police. Your rights are important and your wishes will be respected

How you may feel...

Sexual Assault is traumatic. You may be in a state of shock and find it hard to believe this really happened to you. Some people do not remember what happened.

You may feel:

• Embarrassed, ashamed

• Guilty

• Anxious or depressed

• Angry

• Numb or “flat”

• Have trouble eating or sleeping

• Afraid to go outside

• You may also be worried about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, HIV or injuries

These are some of the things most people experience after a sexual assault.

If you have been sexually assaulted...

You need to get medical attention. You could see your regular doctor or go to the hospital.

If you go directly to the Emergency Department of Lady Minto Hospital, medical staff are available around the clock to help you.

You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or support person to the hospital with you.

You can call the 24-Hour Violence & Abuse Help Line, if you just need to talk or want a support worker from the Salt Spring Island Transition House to meet you at the hospital. They will help arrange your transportation to hospital if needed.

What about police? It is your choice whether or not to report the sexual assault to the police. They will transport you to hospital if needed. They will also take your statement, if you want to give one, after you have received medical treatment.

Services on Salt Spring

RCMP
Call 911 in an emergency
537-5555

Lady Minto Hospital
135 Crofton Road
538-4800

Island Women Against Violence
24-Hour Violence & Abuse Help Line
Toll Free 1-877-435-7544
or 537-0735

Stopping the Violence Counselling for Women
538-5568

SSI Community Services Society
537-9971

Your Family Doctor

This information has been compiled as a cooperative effort between Lady MInto Hospital (Vancouver Island Health Authority), local RCMP and Island Women Against Violence.