Writer: Vedanshi
CW: Discussion of violence, harassment, abuse
Say someone is assaulted, or experiencing harassment or abuse. We’re going to share some available options for seeking support. When someone is assaulted, their choice is taken away from them. When deciding what kind of police action or medical support to seek, the choice is in the survivor’s hands, every step of the way.
If someone’s life is in danger, call 911 and ask for the police, fire, or ambulance depending on the situation.
If someone has been sexually assaulted, it was not their fault. They may not remember what exactly happened, and that is normal.
MEDICAL CARE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES:
If a victim is hurt with life-threatening injuries, ask for an ambulance by calling 911. Even if they don’t have any apparent injuries, it is a good idea to go to the hospital and ask for a sexual assault kit to be performed- this is an examination performed to collect forensic evidence after an assault. If they think they may be pregnant, they can also ask the medical professional for options. They can also test the survivor for any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Toronto Police Service: Sexual Assault Examination Kit
About (from their website):
“What is a sexual assault evidence kit?
The process for the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) is voluntary, which means that your consent is required. As a survivor of sexual assault, we support the choices that you make with respect to the process that is best for you.
The SAEK is a specially sealed box that contains envelopes, bottles and other containers used to collect evidence. Evidence can be collected at many different points in time, however the sooner the better. There is a greater chance of collecting physical evidence within 72 hours of the assault; however evidence may still be available up to 12 days later. In order to increase the likelihood of obtaining forensic evidence; keep the clothing worn during the assault, try not to urinate before you reach the hospital, and try not to shower or use a feminine douche product.”
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:
Survivors may feel vulnerable, angry, confused, depressed, or another way after a sexual assault. There are mental health professionals who can help with the healing process, but more immediately, survivors may find comfort in your ‘Safe Buddies’. These can be trusted friends or family members.
ONTARIO 211
Services for those who’ve experienced abuse or assault
About: A database of resources, which can be filtered based on region and service type.
CRISIS LINES
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.
SAFE SPACES
Aurora House
Website: https://www.aurorahouse.ca/
Phone: +1 (416) 727-0299
About: “Aurora House strives to provide shelter, long-term trauma counselling, basic needs, and essential support services to those who have been trafficked, exploited or otherwise abused in Canada with a focus on people who identify as women, as well as women with young children and expecting mothers.”
We sat down to interview the Aurora House team. Check out the video:
Sisters In Sync
Website: https://sistersinsync.org/
About: “Sisters in Sync was created as a response to the growing need for spaces where Black girls and women from all walks of life can exist and share experiences.”
We sat down to interview the Sisters In Sync team. Stay tuned for the video!
Safe Hubs by BOLT Safety Society
A network of safe spaces in partnership with local businesses. Find a safe space near you: boltsafety.org/safehubs
LEGAL + POLICE REPORTING / VICTIM SERVICES
Survivors have the choice to decide whether they want a police report filed and press charges against their assaulter(s).
Government of Ontario: Victim Witness Assistance Program
Victim Support Line: 416-314-2447
Call Toll-free: 1-888-579-2888
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."
COPYWRITING SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS
itsharpo collaborations offers copywriting services for survivors hoping to craft various forms of writing material. Their service can support survivors with their victim impact statements or writing out their appeals. To learn more and get in touch, visit their website at www.itsharpo.com
If someone is in an abusive relationship, there is help available. First of all, if anyone’s life is in immediate danger, call 911.
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.
The survivor can find a ‘Safe Buddy’ to help them, and check-in on them regularly- be it, friends or family. This person can help alert authorities if they don’t respond to a check-in text, call, or email within a reasonable amount of time. They can also come up with a code word if there are concerns of their abuser reading their messages.
If the survivor is looking for support services online, and is concerned their abuser will see them, they can use ‘incognito’ web browser features, which ensure that searches and web activity cannot be tracked on that device.
Survivors can also reach out to local women’s shelters.
If you’re worried about the safety of a loved one, how can you help?
If their life is in danger, call 911.
Otherwise, you can share resources and information, like this article. Be kind, understanding, and above all else, non-judgemental. Victims are often unaware they’re in an abusive relationship, or they depend on their abuser for things like a home, an allowance, or they are being gaslighted. 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.
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. Be an ally.
Know a resource that should be listed on our database?
Send us an email at info@boltsafety.org