Firstly, we are so sorry that this has happened to you.
We believe you, what happened to you was not your fault, and support is available to you.
Immediate Care
It is your completely your choice with how to proceed from here. Here are our immediate care recommendations:
- If you have urgent injuries (cuts, sprains, pain, bleeding, possible concussion, etc.) please visit a hospital emergency room. You are not required to report your sexual assault if you access medical care.
- It is important that you consider treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and/or possible pregnancy. Treatment is available at any hospital emergency room, community clinic, sexual health clinic, or via your family doctor.
- If you are considering reporting to police, it is helpful not to shower, bathe, douche, brush your teeth, drink anything, change or destroy your clothes, or tidy up the location where the assault occurred; these actions make it more difficult for the police to collect evidence.
Forensic Medical Exam
If you were sexually assaulted within the last 72 hours (3 days), you have the option of a forensic medical exam. The forensic exam is not required in order to get medical treatment, but can only be performed at a Saskatoon hospital emergency room.
If you choose to get a forensic exam, the police will be called to take your statement and collect the evidence from the doctor. The forensic evidence may be used in a police investigation and possibly at trial.
Reporting Sexualized Violence
It is entirely your decision to report* sexualized violence. It is not uncommon to have mixed feelings or fear about making a police report. SSAIC can provide you with information and options for police reporting and can support you throughout that process.
If you do not want to make a report now, it is helpful to write down everything that you can remember about what happened to you. There is no statute of limitations on reporting sexualized violence – you can report to the police at any point in the future.
Contact our office to discuss support options for the police reporting process.
*Exceptions: if a child is in need of protection, you have a duty to report to the Ministry of Social Services.
Hospital Hours for Sexual Assault Survivors
City Hospital Emergency (Closed at 7pm): 306-655-8230
Royal University Hospital: 306-655-1362
Royal University Hospital Pediatrics Emergency: 306-655-5900
St. Paul’s Hospital: (306) 655-5000