Sexual Assault Service
​
Changes during COVID-19: This service can still be accessed in person at the VGH ER or UBC Hospital's Urgent Care Centre. Alternatively, you can call 604-875-2424 and ask to speak to the Sexual Assault Service.
​
This service provides free, confidential, and optional medical care to anyone who has been sexually assaulted within the last 7 days. This organization works out of two places: 1) Vancouver General Hospital's Emergency Department where care workers are available 24/7 365 days of the year; 2) UBC Hospital's Urgent Care Centre where care workers are available from 8:00am-10:00pm 365 days a year.
Services provides:
1. Assessment and treatment of injuries and STIs resulting from a sexual assault
2. Referrals to health, legal, and community-based support services for victims o sexual assault.
3. Collection of forensic samples for a police report regarding sexual assault
4. Provision of a medical report to accompany a police report as well as testimony in court, should a case go to trial
​
How to access the Sexual Assault Service:
Go in person to:
VGH's emergency department at 920 West 10th Avenue, 24 hours
UBC Hospital's Urgent Care Centre Koerner Pavilion 2211 Wesbrook Mall, 8am-10pm
Find more information here: http://www.bcwomens.ca/our-services/specialized-services/sexual-assault-service
​
How happens when you go to the Sexual Assault Service:
Upon arrival at the hospital: you will check in at reception and will explain to the triage nurse that you would like to access the sexual assault service. The nurse will contact the SAS team. This team consists of an examiner and a nurse who will arrive with 45 minutes. While you are waiting, the triage nurse will ask you some general questions about how you are currently feeling to assess your physical health. Then, the triage nurse will escort you to a safe, private room away from the public area where you can wait for the SAS team. Members of the SAS team are specially trained nurses and doctors who will tell you exactly what services they can supply. They will answer any questions or concerns you have about the assault or their services. You will decide exactly what services you would like to access and the SAS team will support whatever decision you make. The SAS team will provide you with legal options such as reporting the sexual assault with the police, but you can choose whether or not to continue with this process. No police reports will be made without your consent and all information you provide will be kept confidential.
​
After leaving the hospital: the SAS team will provide information about how people normally feel and respond to a sexual assault and recommendations for follow-up treatment, both physical and emotional. A SAS counsellor will call you within a week of your visit to follow-up with how you are doing, answer any questions you may have, and offer you one-on-one counselling if you believe that will be helpful.
​
Suggestions:
Bring a friend or family member for support. Or contact either SASC at UBC (604-827-5180) to be accompanied to UBC Hospital by a support worker, or WAVAW (604-255-6344) to be accompanied to VGH.