Toronto, ON: Sexual Violence Resources

BOLT Safety
Mar 9, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Feb 13

CW: Discussion of violence, harassment, 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)

Toronto Police Service: Sexual Assault Examination Kit

Website: https://yourchoice.to/evidence-kit.php

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 – 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.

Abrigo center

Website: https://abrigo.ca/

About: An organization helping women facing abuse among other community services

WomanACT

Website: https://womanact.ca/

About: A charitable organization with a membership of organizations and individuals working to end violence against women through system change.

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.

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."

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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.

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gynVWDon-6M

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!

TWCA

Website:https://www.ywcatoronto.org/

About: Charity dedicated to building healthy communities and providing shelter to those in need, with a dedicated women's shelter

The Neighbourhood Organization

Website: https://tno-toronto.org/services-for-women/

About: The Violence Against Women Program at TNO addresses the critical issue of gender-based violence by providing comprehensive support to individuals who identify as women and are experiencing various forms of abuse. This program aims to promote non-violence and empower clients to rebuild their lives after experiencing violence.

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.