Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre

If you require emergency medical assistance, call 911

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence victims who come to North Bay Regional Health Centre for treatment will be provided care 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

For all questions including assistance after an assault call 705-474-8600 ext. 4478 or email SADV@nbrhc.on.ca

The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program Treatment Centre at NBRHC is an individualized service available to survivors of all ages for sexual assault and domestic/intimate partner violence. The program provides emergency health care and psychosocial support, as well as follow up care, by specially trained nurses. We are one of the 37 Ontario Network of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres.

The care provided to all victims and survivors is trauma- informed and focuses on choices made by the victim/survivor. We are here to support you and help you do what you know is best for your overall health and well-being.

Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault in a broad definition is “ANY form of sexual activity with another person without their consent”

Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence

I Domestic violence/Intimate Partner Violence is any form of violence with someone who is or has been in a relationship. It may include physical assault, emotional, psychological, financial, coercive, sexual and spiritual abuse. It can include threats to harm children, other family members, pets and property. The violence is used to intimidate, humiliate, frighten or make you feel powerless.

For definitions of assault, abuse and consent, click here.

What happens to me when I arrive at the Emergency Department?

Upon arrival, you will be registered, and then a triage nurse will determine what your immediate needs are. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will be called while you wait in a private room. Care will be provided only with the patient’s informed consent. You may consent to some, all or none of the care options.  You may withdraw your consent to any of the options at any time during the visit. This initial care may include all or part of the following.

• Treatment of injuries
• Assessment and documentation of injuries
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
• Treatment to prevent pregnancy (Morning after pill)
• HIV post exposure prophylaxis (only available within 72 hours of sexual assault)
• Baseline testing and follow up testing for STI’s, Hepatitis B, C, HIV
• Collection of forensic evidence, including photographic documentation
• Risk assessment and safety planning
• Follow up examinations
• Referral to individualized counseling
• Police involvement (with your permission we can help you make the call to request police assistance). We will also support your decision not to involve police.
• Referral to community resources such as emergency housing, counseling, victim assistance and many others.
• Confidential, sensitive, non-heterosexist approach
• Preservation of evidence for up to one year

For more information about your healthcare options, click here.

During Optional Follow-Up Care

Follow up care is available. The nurse clinican will always call to follow up, and from there survivors can choose

• Reassessment of injuries
• Further consideration for safety
• Continuing treatment for HIV and monitoring of STI’s
• Further photographs
• Appropriate referrals

What You Should Know

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence are traumatic events and can be disruptive to your life. YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME If you have been assaulted you may:

• Have trouble sleeping
• Feel anxious
• Feel isolated, helpless and angry, as well as fearful and out of control
• Experience guilt
• Be worried about how family, friends, co-workers or community may react to your experience.