Ottawa, ON: Sexual Violence Resources

BOLT Safety
Jan 27, 2024
8 min read

Updated: Feb 13

CW: sexual violence, domestic abuse

If someone’s life is in danger, call 911 immediately.

Who this resource is for:

Victims / survivors of sexual violence and/or domestic abuse
Allies who either know someone who has experienced violence, or wish to learn how to help those in crisis

Kindly note: If you have experienced harm, it was not your fault, and we stand with you in whatever choice you make moving forward.

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MEDICAL CARE

Life-threatening injuries: call 911, ask for an ambulance
With minor or less apparent injuries: may go to the hospital and request a sexual assault examination (also known as a ‘rape kit’) to be performed and collect evidence
Medical professionals can provide testing, options, guidance on pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Survivors may feel vulnerable, angry, confused, depressed, or another way after a sexual assault – all of which are valid. There are mental health professionals who can help with the healing process. More immediately, survivors may find comfort in their chosen ‘Safe Buddies’, which include trusted friends or family members.

For mental health related support and helplines, follow the links below:

ONTARIO 211

Website: https://211ontario.ca/211-topics/abuse-assault/

Services for those who’ve experienced abuse or assault

About: A database of resources, which can be filtered based on region and service type.

Counselling and family services Ottawa

Website: https://cfsottawa.ca/

Phone: 613-233-8478

About: CFS brings hope and support to residents of Ottawa who are facing some of life’s biggest challenges, including mental health challenges and gender-based violence. Through a variety of programs and services, including counselling, education, outreach and advocacy, we help people of all ages work through their difficulties, develop coping strategies, and find practical solutions for moving forward.

Eastern Ontario Resource Centre

Website: https://eorc-creo.ca/

Phone: 613-741-6025

About: A bilingual non profit organization which offers community and social service programs to individuals of all ages in Ottawa’s east/south-east communities.

University of Ottawa Students’ Union Feminist Resource Centre

https://seuo-uosu.com/feminist-resource-centre/

About: “We advocate for gender equity across campus through campaigns, fundraisers, events, workshops and more! We provide an anti-oppressive, inclusive, non-judgmental, pro-choice, gender-positive, feminist welcoming space that supports community members (women, two-spirited folx, trans folx, non- binary/gender-conforming folx, and men) who want to work together to challenge gender oppression on campus and in our communities. We work on sexual and reproductive health, reproductive justice, menstrual equity, parenting, sexual violence prevention, support for survivors and any other type of work deemed relevant to the intersectionality of gender and other multiple coexisting identities.”

Our team sat down with the University of Ottawa Students’ Union Feminist Resource Centre team to learn more about the ways in which they support survivors. Watch the interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eisct5dcaNw

These are some of the services they provide (quoted directly from their website):

Free pregnancy tests
Free condoms and lube
Free menstrual products
Free diapers
Free baby formula
Free pre-natal vitamins
Free Drop-in Daycare
Feminist lending library
Feminist focused events, workshops, and fundraisers
Active Listening & Resource Referrals for support in:
Abortion
Adoption
Addiction
Birth-control
Childcare
Domestic Violence
Health Care
Housing
Mental Health
Parenting
Sexual Health
Sexual Violence
And many more!

Coping After a Traumatic Event

Full resource from HealthLink BC:

It is normal to experience emotional, behavioural, and physical changes after experiencing a traumatic event, like:
- Feeling hopelessness or numbness
- Withdrawing from social connections, getting flashbacks to the incident(s)
- Having trouble sleeping, eating
- Experiencing fatigue, headaches, dizziness that can’t otherwise be explained
Healthy ways of coping can include:
- Speaking with a counselor
  - Referrals can be obtained from your family physician
  - Can also contact the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): https://cmha.ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/
- Connecting with family, friends, or a support group
- Eating balanced meals and sleeping adequately
- Physical exercise (going on walks, playing sports)
- Being kind to yourself and giving yourself time and space to heal
- Avoid relying on substances, like alcohol, to cope

CRIME REPORTING AND LEGAL OPTIONS

Survivors have the choice to decide whether they want to press charges or file a police, institutional, or otherwise systems-based report.

POLICE

Choosing to speak with the police about any incident does not generally obligate an individual to press charges or engage in legal proceedings; for instance, individuals may choose to simply consult the police about the nature of the crime, and their options going forward.

Ottawa Police: File a report

Website: https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/reports-and-requests/file-a-report.aspx

Ottawa Police: Sexual Assault Survivor Guide

Website: https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/reports-and-requests/sexual-assault-survivor-guide.aspx

About: “This guide has been created to help you understand the legal processes that are associated with sexual assault and to offer a wide range of resources to support you throughout this difficult time. It is our duty to conduct a professional and thorough investigation. The Ottawa Police Service is here to assist and support survivors of sexual assault in a sensitive manner. Our goal is to identify, arrest and prosecute the person(s) responsible and to prevent further crimes from happening.”

Government of Ontario: Victim Witness Assistance Program

Victim Support Line: 416-314-2447

Call Toll-free: 1-888-579-2888

Website: ontario.ca/page/victimwitness-assistance-program

About: "The Victim/Witness Assistance Program is a court-based program that provides information, help and support to victims and witnesses of crime so they can understand and participate in the criminal court process. A victim/witness service worker will talk with you and assist you based on your specific case and needs."

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC)

Website: https://crcvc.ca/

Phone: +1 (877) 232-2610

About: “The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC) provides support, research, and education to survivors of serious crime and stakeholders in Canada. Our head office is located in Ottawa, Ontario. All services are free of charge and confidential. We offer bilingual assistance and advocacy regardless of whether the perpetrator of the crime has been identified, apprehended, prosecuted or convicted. The CRCVC believes victims must be empowered to regain control of their lives.”

We interviewed the CRCVC team to learn more about their work. Stay tuned for the video!

UOttawa Community Legal Clinic

Website: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/community-legal-clinic

Phone: +1 (613) 562-5600

About: “The Clinic provides legal services to the Ottawa community. Staffed by lawyers and law students, the Clinic provides public legal education, legal advice, and representation at court for a variety of criminal, family and tenant-related matters.”

UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC ABUSE

There are many forms of abuse. Specifically, domestic abuse, or intimate partner violence, is a form of abuse used by the abuser to maintain power in a relationship through verbal, emotional, mental, sexual, reproductive, financial, or physical abuse and coercion.

Help is available. Options include:

Find a ‘Safe Buddy’ to check-in regularly (trusted friends or family) and make a safety plan
Online safety: use of ‘incognito’ web browsers and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to minimize the risk of web searches being tracked
Safe housing and shelters

Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre

Website: salalsvsc.ca

National Toll-Free 24-Hour Crisis & Information Line: 1-877-392-7583

Salal Connect text: (604)-245-2425

About: Immediate emotional support is available Canada-wide.

Crisis Services Canada

Website: crisisservicescanada.ca

Call: +1 (833) 456-4566

About: If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, the Canada Suicide Prevention Service is available 24/7.

Kids Help Phone

Website: kidshelpphone.ca

Call: +1 (800) 668-6868

About: 24/7, national support service offering professional counselling, information and referrals and text-based support to young people in both English and French.

Assaulted Women's Helpline:

Phone: 1-e866-863-0511 or TTY 1-866-863-7868

Website: www.awhl.org

About: Information on services available in Ontario. The Assaulted Women's Helpline provides 24-hour, 7-days-a-week crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to women in up to 154 languages.

Ottawa coalition to end violence against women

Website: https://www.octevaw-cocvff.ca/

About: Provides a network that bridges more than 50 local member agencies and individuals , all of which share the common goal of eliminating gender-based violence

SAFE SPACES

Cornerstone Housing for Women: Emergency Women’s Shelter

Website: https://cornerstonewomen.ca/programs-and-services/shelter/

Phone: +1 (613) 254-6584

About: "At our emergency shelter we meet women where they are at, we provide essential needs such as nutritious food, personal care items and shelter. Nobody wants to experience homelessness. Women find themselves at our shelter for a variety of reasons including: inability to pay rent due to poverty, the need for disability modified housing, newcomer status, or fleeing violence or abuse. Our main goal for each of the women is to answer the question: “How can we help you find a safe place to live that you can afford?” Residents at the Women’s Shelter have a shared bedroom, along with washroom, dining and living rooms.”

Interval House of Ottawa

Website: https://www.intervalhouseottawa.org/

24/7 Crisis Line: 613-234-5181

About: “Interval House of Ottawa (IHO) provides safe shelter and support, intervention and prevention services, and advocacy to break the cycle of violence. Interval House of Ottawa works from an intersectional, feminist, and anti-oppressive approach to provide services for cis and trans women, two-spirit, non-binary and gender-diverse people alongside their dependents and pets.”

Women's initiative for safer environments

Website: https://wiseottawa.ca/

Phone: 613-230-6700

About: Works directly with individuals, diverse communities, and local government agencies, to create safer physical and social environments in our neighbourhoods, parks, workplaces, recreational pathways, and schools

Ottawa rape crisis center

Website: https://orcc.net/

Phone: 613-562-2333

About: Offers support for people who have experienced sexual and/or gender-based violence in the Ottawa region. Offers individual and group trauma counselling, service navigation, psychoeducation, crisis support as well as advocacy for clients and broader systemic change.

Safe Hubs:

Intermediate safe spaces are available in your community, acting as a bridge between where you are, and professional support. We’ve partnered with organisations and businesses in your local community, and you can find them on our interactive map at boltsafety.org/safehubs

BEING AN ALLY

If you’re worried about the safety of a loved one, how can you help? Be kind, understanding, and above all else, non-judgmental.

If their life is in danger, call 911. Otherwise, you can share resources and information, like this article, to help guide and inform their decision.

For someone in an abusive relationship: Victims may be unaware they’re in an abusive relationship if they are experiencing gaslighting, or dependent on their abuser for essentials like a home, their meals, and financial resources. Gaslighting is when the abuser denies ever being abusive when confronted about their actions and behaviour, and is a form of mental and emotional abuse. For the person you are trying to help, even though they may not immediately leave their relationship, you showing belief in their experience validates it, and may give them the strength and assurance needed to leave.

For a victim / survivor of sexual violence: As an ally, you can also offer to go with them to the police, the hospital, to court, or be with them when they call a crisis line or shelter. When victims are isolated from their support networks, it, unfortunately, gives their abuser more power over them.

Believe them. Stand with them, no matter what they decide to do (or not do). Be an ally.

More BOLT Safety resources:

Let’s talk about consent: https://www.boltsafety.org/post/let-s-talk-about-consent
Making a personal safety plan: https://www.boltsafety.org/post/safety_plan
What is gaslighting? https://www.boltsafety.org/post/what-is-gaslighting
Recognizing signs of abuse: https://www.boltsafety.org/post/recognizing-signs-of-abuse

Kindly note: when an individual experiences violence, their choice, dignity, and autonomy is taken away from them physically, emotionally, and psychologically. This resource is not meant to be prescriptive, but rather offer options that a survivor may choose to pursue – in the aftermath of a traumatic experience, the choice should fully be in the survivor’s hands.

Terminology: We generally advocate for the use of the term ‘survivor’, however, we additionally use the term ‘victim’ in the context of being victimized by a crime. This is also to respect the varied vocabulary that individuals may choose to describe their experiences.

End victim-blaming: The victim of a crime is never to blame for what was done to them by a perpetrator. The role of an ally is to provide non-judgemental, empathetic, and heartfelt support.

If you know of a resource that should be included here, please email our team at info@boltsafety.org

In solidarity,

The team at BOLT Safety Society

@boltsafety | boltsafety.org

Donate: ko-fi.com/boltsafety

BOLT Safety Society is a federally registered not-for-profit organization in Canada.

Disclaimer: We endeavor to verify published information with experts. You are using our information, resources, and programs at your own risk. Please contact us if you see an error so that we can investigate the matter and make corrections where necessary.