Q: How many days after my assault can I attend to have a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) completed?
A: Components of forensic evidence can be collected from the time of the assault up to 12 days; however, you can attend the hospital at any time to receive support and discuss options available to you.
Q: Can I shower or use the bathroom before going to the hospital?
A: It is important to remember that washing up or taking a shower can destroy potential evidence on the skins surface. Internal evidence can be collected, if you choose to shower. This is also true with using the bathroom.
Q: What do I bring with me to the hospital?
A: You will need the following:
- Your health card (if you do not have one, we will still provide care for free)
- If you are wearing the clothing you were assaulted in, bring an extra change of clothes
- If you have changed your clothing, bring with you the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault in a paper bag, if possible.
- If you feel comfortable, bring a supportive friend or family member
Q: Where do I go once I get to the hospital?
A: At Health Sciences North – attend the emergency department and register, let the triage nurse know you have been assaulted and ask to speak with the “VIPP (Violence Intervention and Prevention Program) nurse on-call”. The triage nurse will page the VIPP on-call nurse.
Q: What to expect during the examination at the hospital?
A: A specially trained VIPP nurse will guide you each step of the way. They will not do anything without your permission and will keep your records confidential.
The nurse will ask you what happened and will document the events that took place.
You will be given the option to have an internal exam done and have the results documented.
The nurse will collect evidence looking for the perpetrators DNA on your skin, under your fingernails, in your hair and genital area depending ion the type of assault.
The VIPP nurse may also document injuries by photographing and measuring them.
Depending on the assault, you also may be asked to provide a urine sample and blood may be drawn for testing for sexually transmitted diseases or potential drugs used in the assault.
All steps require your consent and you can decline any of the steps.
Q: What medications might I be given?
A: The most common medications that are available are:
- Emergency contraception (commonly known as “the morning after pill”) to prevent unwanted pregnancy
- Preventative medication for sexually transmitted infections
- Preventative medication for HIV
Q: What happens to the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK)?
A: At Health Sciences North, Sexual Assault Evidence Kits can be kept for 1 year. They are stored in a manner that preserves the evidence. If you decide to report to the police, you can consent to having your SAEK released to the police as evidence. The police will then pick up the SAEK from the hospital.
Q: Has it been too long to press charges?
A: You may feel that you have no legal options available to you due the length of time that may have passed. However, this is not the case. There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault. There is no required time limit for reporting, although sooner is better than later when considering the collection of evidence.
Q: How do I report my assault to the police?
A: The police will not be contacted without your permission. We will support you in any decision you make, and can help you make a police report if you choose to. You can make a report to police in person or by telephone. If in Sudbury, you can report online to the Greater Sudbury Police using their online reporting system found on their website. If you are in immediate danger or it is an emergency, please call 911.
Q: Do you offer legal advice?
A: Our Program does not offer legal advice; however, we can help you to access an appropriate agencies to support you.