Crisis Situation: You have options
What to do after a sexual assault
24 Hour Sexual Violence Text, Online Chat and Phone Help Line
The CASASC Sexual Violence Help line is available at any hour for question or feeling that may arise. This line is open to anyone affected by sexual violence.
Anonymous, confidential support, information and referrals are provided through this help line. Whether you’ve recently experienced sexual violence, you are a friend of someone who has in the past, or you are a support person who has a question, our trained volunteers are there to listen and support. We are here to connect with you where you are and empower you to your next steps towards healing.
Sexual Violence Help Line
Toll free call or text: 1-866-956-1099
Local phone: 403-356-1099
Webchat: www.casasc.ca
Note
Available at any hour when questions or feelings arise, the help line is here to support and empower you.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Finding support after an assault
CASASC offers a 24-hour Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). This team is a collaborative partnership between CASASC and the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Together support and treatment is provided to those who have experienced sexual assault. The Red Deer Regional Hospital completes sexual assault exams for anyone within the Central Alberta Region and is the main contact for towns and cities between Edmonton and Calgary.
Following a sexual assault, it is important to receive medical care as soon as possible. There are concerns surrounding injury, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. When you decide to access medical support with the Red Deer Regional Hospital, a trained team will be there to meet you.
The Red Deer Regional Hospital has trained SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) nurses who are able to provide you with a medical exam, pregnancy testing and STI testing. The team will also follow up with you to relay medical results. SANE nurses are also qualified to collect forensic kits if you choose to report to police.
When attending the Red Deer Regional Hospital for a sexual assault exam you may also choose to speak with a CASASC trained SART member. SART members are trained to provide you with support and information. All our SART members will provide you with an information package and will also offer you a support package that includes a blanket, stuffed animal, along with a deck of cards and coloring pages. Our SART members are there to support you, your family or anyone who may have come with you to the hospital.
If you choose, a RCMP member will collect a statement from you and will be able to answer any legal and investigative questions.
Note
Physical exam only by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner including a medical exam and STI screening. Police are not contacted and no police investigation is conducted.
A Third Option
Through this collaborative program, offered by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the RCMP, recent sexual assault survivors who seek out medical attention have the option to delay reporting to the police.
At a critical time, right after a sexual assault when collecting evidence is pertinent, survivors may not be ready to report to the police. The Third Option offers the option of choice and time.
Note
Police are not contacted and no police investigation is conducted, however, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner conducts a Police Sexual Assault Examination Kit and has the kit stored for up to one year. You then have up to one year to decide if you would like the police to investigate your sexual assault using the evidence collected by the nurse. A police investigation is only initiated with your consent.
The Third Option is offered through the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre to those who have chosen to seek out medical care. Guidance surrounding this program is provided by SANE nurses.
Thank You to our Funders!
- Lifelong Learning Council of Red Deer
- Red Deer & District Community Foundation
Location
Unit #220, 70 College Circle
Red Deer, AB T4R 0V4
Contact CASASC
Phone: 403-340-1124
Fax: 403-340-1163
Email: casasc@casasc.ca
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Crisis Information
24 hour line
1-866-956-1099