Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre - Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre

Provides individualized 24 hour emergency service to victims and survivors of sexual assault and/or domestic violence

Provides emergency medical assessment and treatment

Provides initial emotional and social support as well as ongoing follow-up care by specially trained nurses

Provides initial emergency care only with the patient's informed consent, and may include all or part of the following:

• Assessment and treatment of injuries
• Testing/treatment/prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV
• Emergency contraceptives
• Reassurance and emotional support
• Collection of forensic evidence including photographs
• Risk assessment and safety planning
• Referral for medical follow-up
• Referral to appropriate social services agencies
• Referral to shelter and or other relevant community resources
• Police involvement, at victims request
• Storage of forensic evidence for up to six months if the patient is uncertain about involving the authorities

Provides optional follow-up services accessible through the Sexual Assault/ Domestic Violence Victim Treatment Centre (SA/DVTC) that may include:

• Reassessment of injuries
• Further consideration of safety
• Continuing treatment and monitoring of STIs (including Hepatitis and HIV)
• Further photographs if indicated
• Appropriate referrals