Programs & Services
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Service for Survivors of Sexual Assault What can I expect from the service? Through the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, a team of specially trained forensic nurse examiners provide emotional support and medical care for people who have experienced sexual assault. Our service includes medical evaluation, treatment of injuries, protection against sexually transmitted infections and diseases, unplanned pregnancy, and collection of evidence. Who can access this service? We provide care for women and men aged 16 years of age and over. Children under the age of 16 are cared for by the Child Abuse Team. Where is the service located? It is located in two hospitals; the Regina General Hospital Emergency Department at 1440 – 14th Avenue in Regina, Sask.; and the Pasqua Hospital Emergency Department at 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Sask. What should I do before I go to the hospital? Do not take time to change clothes. Do not eat, drink or smoke as these activities could eliminate evidence. Do not use the washroom if possible. If you cannot wait to empty your bladder, avoid wiping afterwards. If you are at home, bring a change of clothing with you to the hospital. What will happen at the hospital? Ask for the forensic nurse examiner. You will be provided privacy and safety immediately. An emergency nurse will ask you a few questions about your health. Then the nurse will call a forensic nurse examiner who will care for you under the direction of a physician. The nurse examiner will respond to any questions or concerns you may have. We know the assault was not your fault. If you want to have someone present for support, we will arrange for someone to remain with you throughout your time in Emergency. You will be offered choices about your care. These choices include checking for transmission of infection such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis or HIV, unplanned pregnancy, injuries, profound emotional distress, as well as collecting evidence up to five days after the incident. Your choices will be respected. What about the police? If you are 16 years of age or over, we will not call the police without your permission. You will be treated medically and assessed for injuries. You will be given the care which you request. If you choose to report the assault to the police, a nurse will use a sexual assault examination kit to record your statements and collect evidence. Evidence may include some items of your clothing and samples of biological material on your body. The police will take a statement from you. They may take you to police headquarters to obtain a full statement without the distractions of the hospital environment. How will I feel after a sexual assault? Sexual assault is a traumatic experience. Emotionally, you may experience fear, shame and embarrassment, eating and sleep disorders, nightmares, mood swings, depression, withdrawal from friends and family and even suicidal thoughts. Physically, you may experience abdominal pain, irritable bowel symptoms, pelvic pain, gynecological problems, headaches or other physical effects from injuries during the assault. In some cases, people who commit a sexual assault may use drugs or alcohol to decrease resistance to assault and to cause memory loss of the assault. If you believe you have been assaulted but do not have a clear memory of it, the nurse examiner will offer to collect samples of blood and urine for further testing. Are there any support services for survivors? Yes, you can contact the following: Regina Women’s Centre and Sexual Assault Line (306)352-0434 |
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