Information for Families and Friends | Personal Safety | Recommended Reading
Where
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Medical
It is extremely important that victims of sexual assault receive medical attention soon after the assault, whether or not they are going to report it to the police. Even if there are no visible signs of injury, there may be internal injuries, infection, sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy.
If there is not going to be a report to the police, the victim may get medical attention at a hospital, from their own doctor or from a Medicentre. However, if it is going to be reported to the police the victim will phone the police and they will meet you at the nearest hospital. At the hospital the police will want you to have a medical-legal examination done. This is a police evidence gathering tool that is optional to you. But it does allow the police to possibly gather physical evidence to support a charge of sexual assault.
SARTE - the Sexual Assault Response Team or Edmonton - is a group of registered nurses and doctors who have special training in caring for patients who have been sexually assaulted. This is a 24 hour service offered through the emergency rooms of all Capital Health Region hospitals. The team is activated when a victim informs the emergency room staff that they have been assaulted. SARTE offers people (14 years and older) who have been sexually assaulted compassionate, confidential and complete medical care without judgement.
With any of the above options victims should expect to receive services that are respectful of them, does not question whether they are telling the truth or not, and does not blame them for what happened. You need medical attention that addresses your concerns and follows up on any thing that may need ongoing attention.
