What Should I do if I’m a Survivor of Sexual Assault, or Abuse or Know Someone that is a Survivor?
Sexual assault and abuse affects people of all gender, age, status, and background. Oftentimes, the most emotionally painful aspect of sexual abuse is the personal betrayal and violation by a trusted person or organization.
If you or someone you know is a survivor or is still suffering sexual assault or abuse of any kind, the most important consideration is the survivor’s physical and emotional safety and well-being.
Accessing resources in a safe and confidential manner is an immediate priority, whether through family, friends or government-funded or charitable organizations.
If you or someone close to you needs help, please consider these resources:
1. Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic. A free counselling, legal, interpretation, information and referral service for female-identified survivors of violence in Toronto. The Clinic may assist in safety planning if you are at risk.
2. The London Abused Women’s Centre. Offers trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and support in a safe, non-crisis, non-residential setting to women and girls over the age of 12 who have been abused by an intimate partner, sexually harassed, and/or sex trafficked.
3. Ontario Victim Services. Works to ensure that victims of crime are treated with respect and receive the information and services they need.
4. The Ending Violence Association of Canada. A national association that works to amplify the collective voice of those who seek to end gender-based violence and works collaboratively with organizations across the country to identify and implement institutional and systemic changes to address the root causes. The Association has links to resources by geographic location, including sexual assault centres, crisis lines and support services, and shelters.
There are a number of steps survivors of sexual assault or abuse should take as soon as reasonably possible. These steps are not prerequisites to contacting a lawyer, but will be helpful to you if you decide to pursue legal action:
• If the assault or abuse happened at home or by a family member, or you feel that there is a significant risk of repeated assault or abuse, find a safe place to go to, and consider contacting the police.
• If the assault or abuse happened at your workplace, report it to a superior or the Human Resources department, and keep notes and records to detail what happened and when.
• Seek out therapy or counselling from a professional skilled in dealing with trauma and abuse.
• Gather as much information as you can and keep notes and records (who, what, when, where, how often, any witnesses, etc.).
• If you required medical attention, request and gather all medical documentation regarding any physical and psychological injuries caused, including all medical bills and related expenses.
• Document how the lives of yourself and/or your family have been impacted by the sexual assault or abuse. In addition to physical, emotional, psychological, and social, also consider financial impacts, no matter how small (e.g. parking when you see your therapist).
These steps are not prerequisites to contacting a lawyer, but will be helpful to you if you decide to pursue legal action.
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