———

———

* Consent is voluntarily agreeing to engage in sexual activity. Under Canadian law, there is no consent when:

 it is given by someone other than yourself

 your words or actions show that you do not want to continue to engage in sexual activity, i.e. AI  don=t want to go any further@, moving away from the person, etc.

Haldimand-Norfolk Women=s Services offers 24 hour telephone information and support to help you through the immediate crisis. This service is confidential and you may call without giving your name. If you choose, a counsellor or trained volunteer can be with you at the hospital or police station.

• understand your choices for medical treatment, police involvement, and/or financial compensation

• sort out confusing feelings, thoughts and behaviours

• cope with your feelings, i.e. fear, shame, embarrassment, anger, sadness,

• regain a sense of control over your life.

Go to a hospital as soon as possible for:

 treatment of internal or other physical injuries

 testing for sexually transmitted diseases (for anonymous HIV testing, call Hamilton

    1-800-563-6919)

 emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy

 evidence collection in case you choose to make a report to the police.

What other medical help an you get?

Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Health Department - Sexual Health Program

The sexual health program will provide:

  free emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent  unwanted pregnancy (no prescription needed)

 free medication for sexually transmitted diseases available (you must bring a doctor=s prescription)

What if you want medical evidence collected?

The Sexual Assault Evidence Kit

• it is a medical examination that provides police with valuable evidence if your case goes to trial

• it is your choice whether you want this examination done.  You can still go to the police and never have the kit done

• it should be completed as soon as possible following an assault

• you should not shower, eat, drink, go to the bathroom or change your clothes before going to the hospital (any of these could mean evidence is lost)

• Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) in Simcoe can do the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit.  Hospitals in Dunnville & Hagersville can refer you to NGH or other hospitals outside the Region.

Remember:

 You can get medical attention whether or not you want this kit done.

 You can get medical attention and the kit done with or without reporting to the police.

 Evidence ( hair, fibre, fluid) can be frozen for up to 6 months while you decide if you want the police involved. If you do, you will be required to sign a consent to release this evidence to the police.

The police investigate all reports of sexual assault. They will interview you and collect evidence. The police will want as much information and detail as you can remember. They will discuss the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit with you to help you decide whether to have it done.

• be taken to a safe private area to talk to an officer

• have a support person stay with you (eg. someone from Haldimand-Norfolk Women's Services and/or Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service (VCARS)

• have immediate medical attention, if necessary

• decide for yourself whether or not to have the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit done

• refuse to sign the Waiver & Consent form for the police or crown attorney.  If you sign this, it will release your records to the police, crown attorney, the accused and his lawyer.  These records could include your diaries, counselling and medical records, etc.

• have the police tell you about the status of your case, including information about any arrest, hearings, bail conditions, trial dates, dispositions and sentencing.

What if you do/don't want charges laid?

While it is your choice whether or not to contact the police, once contacted, they will decide whether or not to lay charges, based on your input.

What if your case goes to court?

When a criminal charge is laid by the police, the crown attorney is responsible for prosecuting the case.

The crown attorney will:

• meet with you before the trial and the preliminary hearing to help you prepare for court

• keep you up to date on your case

• tell you that any evidence the crown has must be given to the accused and his lawyer.  This may include your diaries, counselling and medical records, etc.

• apply to keep evidence from being published which may identify you

• explain that you can fill out a Victim Impact Statement.  This should be done only after the accused is found guilty.  The Victim Impact Statement will be used at sentencing.

What if you want the charges dropped?

Only the crown attorney can have the charges dropped. If you have concerns or questions, you can ask to speak with the crown. However, the crown will usually go ahead with the case.

You must hire your own lawyer to start a civil action against the person that assaulted you. If you win your case, the judge will order the person you sued to pay you.

What other options do you have?

Injuries do not have to be physical; they can be emotional. You have the right to apply for money for these injuries, whether or not you have reported the assault to the police. However, you are more likely to receive payment if you have made a report to the police or received counselling or medical attention. The Board will ask for medical, legal, counselling, and personal records which they will use in their decision.

The Board can pay up to $25,000 to victims of crime. This money is to help cover costs because of the assault (eg. lost wages) as well as for pain and suffering.

Remember,

it is not your fault.

Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. Regardless of the severity of the act, you have been violated.

Women who have been sexually assaulted often suffer from emotional and physical problems (eg. depression, nightmares, suicidal feelings, flashbacks, eating problem, etc.), even if they have not been physically injured. These symptoms may occur even years after an assault.

With help and support you can feel better.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where can you get help?

Emergency............................................911

Back To The Homepage