to a PDF of the Sexual Assault Response Protocol for

1BACKGROUND
In2007,severallocalagenciesandserviceprovidersthatsupportvictims/survivorsof
sexualviolenceattendedaninformationsharingandvisioningsessionrelatedtobuildinga
communityresponsetosexualviolence.Theintentionwastohaveorganizationsdiscussthe
specificservicestheyoffer,inhopesofprovidingclarity,identifyinggapsoroverlaps,and
ultimatelyusingourresourcesmoreeffectively.Theoutcomeofthissessionwasthedevelopment
ofaformalnetworkofagenciesinourcommunitythatrespondinvariouswaystosexualassault.
Thenetworkbeganmeetingmonthly,andeventuallybecametheSexualAssaultResponseTeam
(SART),whoseintendedpurposeistoshareinformationandworktogetherinprovidinga
coordinatedcommunityresponsetosexualviolenceinWaterlooRegion.
AsSARTformalizeditsmandateandobjectives,certainbarrierstodevelopingsucha
coordinatedresponsewereidentified.Inparticular,whenevertherewerechangesorturnoverin
committeemembership,progresswasinevitablystalledasnewcomershadtobebroughtupto
date.Committeemembersalsoraisedconcernsthatwithoutaprotocolinplace,therecanbe
miscommunicationbetweenserviceproviders,duplicationinservices,lackofunderstanding
abouteachother’sroles,andvictims/survivorsnotconsistentlybeinggiventhesameinformation
regardingsupportsandresources.Therefore,itwasrecognizedthattherewasaneedtodevelopa
documentthatexplainedtherolesofpartneragenciesandtheirrelationshipswithoneanotherin
ordertoeffectivelycoordinateserviceprovision.
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2PURPOSEOFTHE
PROTOCOL
ThepurposeoftheSexualAssaultResponseProtocolistoprovidecommunitypartnersand
serviceproviderswithafoundationforrespondingmoreeffectivelytosexualassaultinWaterloo
Region,andtobettermeettheneedsofvictims/survivorsofsexualviolence.
Theprotocolestablishesacommonunderstandingandframeworkfortheprovisionof
servicestovictims/survivorsofsexualviolence,enablinggreatercoordinationandcollaboration
betweencommunitypartners.Thisisalivingdocumentforsharinginformation,knowledge,and
bestpracticesincoordinatedservices.
Theprotocolalsooffersanintegratedsourceofinformationonagencypracticesand
procedures,clarifyingtherolesvariousagenciesplayinrespondingtosexualassaultinour
community.Thissupportsfamiliaritybetweenagencies,aswellasthedevelopmentand
maintenanceofeffectiveworkingrelationships.Communitymembersalsobenefitfromthis
centralsourceofinformation,asithelpsthemtobetterunderstandandaccessservices.
Thisdocumentalsoemphasizestheneedformemberagenciestoworkinaspiritof
cooperation.Mechanismsforongoingevaluationandreviewoftheprotocolaredescribedherein.
Thisprotocolisintendedtoprovidethebasisforinterdisciplinarytraininginourcommunity.
Finally,thisprotocolisintendedtosupportandinformalreadyexistingcommunityand
interagencyprotocols,butnottodictatespecificindividualagencyprocedures.
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3GUIDINGPRINCIPLES,
VALUESANDBELIEFS
Sexualviolenceisdefinedasanyactorthreatthatviolatesthesexualintegrityofanyperson.A
sexualassaultisnotanactofpassionorintimacy,butanattempttoexertpowerandcontrolto
dominateandviolateanindividual.Sexualassaultfrequentlyincludesaviolationoftrustby
thosewhoareinapositionofperceivedorrealpowerand/orauthority.
Sexualassaultisacomplexsocialproblemandaseriouscrimethatrequiresa
comprehensiveapproachfromallservicesectorsandcommunitymembers.Sexualviolencedoes
notonlyaffecttheindividualvictim/survivor,butalsoimpactsfamilies,lovedones,other
witnessestotheviolence,andthewholeofthecommunity.
Wesupportagenderedanalysisofsexualassaultthatrecognizesthesystemicandsocietal
structuresthatpromoteandallowsexualviolencetoexist.Thevastmajorityofsexualassaultsare
perpetratedbymenagainstwomen,boys,girls,andyouth.Werecognizethatwomenand
childrenareaccordedlesspowerandauthorityinsociety,whichrendersthemmorevulnerableto
beingvictimized.However,thesamemasculinisedidealsandpracticesattherootofsexual
violenceagainstwomencanserveasbarrierstomalevictims/survivorsreachingoutand
receivingsupport.
Thefollowingprinciples,valuesandbeliefsguidetheworkwedoinrespondingtosexual
assaultinourcommunity:
x Safety
Wesupporttherightofallpeopletolivetheirlivesfreefromviolenceorthreatofsexual
violence.Ourfirstpriorityisalwaysthesafetyandwellbeingofvictims/survivorsof
sexualviolence.
x Respect
Wecommittotreatallvictims/survivorswiththeutmostcompassion,dignity,andrespect,
withtheunderstandingthatavictim/survivorisnevertobeblamedfortheassault.
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x Access,EquityandInclusion
Webelievethateveryoneshouldexperienceequitywhenaccessingservices,meaning
fairnessoftreatmentaccordingtotheirindividualneeds.Regardlessofrace,nationalor
ethnicorigin,colour,religion,age,sex,maritalstatus,familystatus,socioeconomicstatus,
disability,sexualorientation,genderidentity,oranyothercircumstance,everyoneis
entitledtoservicesthataresensitive,appropriate,andinclusive.Wealsorecognizethat
victims/survivorswhoaremarginalizedmayencounterbarriersinaccessingservices.
x ChoicesandOptions
Webelieveinprovidingaclientcenteredresponsethatrespectstherightof
victims/survivorstobeawareoftheiroptionsandmaketheirownchoicesaboutthe
servicesweprovide.Wesupportandencouragevictims/survivorsinmakinginformed
decisions.
x Commitment,CollaborationandConsistency
Webelievethatanyonewhohasexperiencedsexualassaultdeservestoreceiveservicesin
atimely,coordinated,andsensitivemanner.Therefore,organizationsprovidingservicesto
victims/survivorsarecommittedtoacollaborativeapproachinrespondingtosexual
assaultinourcommunity.Byworkingtogether,wearebetterabletoconsistentlymeetthe
needsofvictims/survivors.
x TraumaInformedResponsesandInterventions
Weprovidetraumainformedresponsesthatareknowledgeableandsensitivetothe
vulnerabilitiesexperiencedbyvictims/survivors,andthatalsoacknowledgethefar
reachingimpactsoftrauma.Westrivetoavoidrevictimizingorretraumatizingpeople
whohaveexperiencedsexualassault.Further,werecognizethatvictims/survivorsmay
expressawidevarietyofreactions.
x Accountability
Webelievethatpeoplewhoperpetratesexualviolenceareresponsiblefortheiractionsand
should,wheneverpossible,beheldaccountablethroughtheappropriatesystems.Further
tothis,weendeavortorespectsurvivors’autonomytomakechoicesaboutthe
involvementofthecriminaljusticesystemintheirexperienceofsexualviolencewhenever
possible.Insexualassaultcasesinvolvingchildren,wearemandatedtoreporttheassault
totheappropriateauthorities.
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x PreventionandEarlyIntervention
Werecognizethatinordertoreduceallformsofsexualviolence,itisnecessaryto
implementpreventionandearlyinterventionstrategiesatboththeindividualandthe
systemiclevel.Sexualassaultisasocialproblemthatwillrequirechangesinourhealth
care,legalandsocialsystemstoresolve.Webelievethatpubliceducationprograms,
advocacy,andsocialactionareallessentialinourworktoaddresstherootsofsexual
violence.(Formoreinformationonpreventionwork,refertotheGovernmentofOntario’s
SexualViolenceActionPlanlaunchedMarch2,2011entitledChangingAttitudes,Changing
Lives.)
x Confidentiality
Weendeavortomaintaintheconfidentialityofvictims/survivors,protectingtheirprivacy
withintheboundariesofthelaw.Thelimitstoconfidentialitymustbeclearlyexplainedto
eachvictim/survivoratfirstcontacttosupporttheminmakinginformeddecisions.
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4COMMONLANGUAGE
ANDDEFINITIONS
Thefollowingismeanttoclarifytermsastheyareusedinthisprotocol.Readersshouldnotethat
variousorganizationsmayusedifferenttermsthatarespecifictotheirservicesector.These
definitionsrepresentcommonlyusedlanguage.Forlegaldefinitions,refertotheCriminalCodeof
Canada.
Pleasenotethatgenderneutrallanguageisappliedthroughouttoreflectthefactthat
anyonecanbeavictim/survivorofsexualviolence,includingmen,women,andpeoplewhoare
transgendered.However,itisrecognizedthattheoverwhelmingmajorityofviolenceinvolves
menabusingwomenandchildren.See“GuidingPrinciples,Values,andBeliefs”formore
information.
Child:AccordingtotheChild&FamilyServicesAct(CFSA),PartIII,achildisapersonactually
orapparentlyundertheageofsixteen(16),orapersonundertheageofeighteen(18)whois
subjecttoanorderunderPartIIIoftheCFSA.
ChildSexualAbuse:Childsexualabuseoccurswhenachildisusedforsexualpurposesbyan
adultoradolescent.Sexualabusemayinvolvesexualfondlingorinvitingachildtotouchorbe
touchedsexually.Otherformsofsexualabuseincludesexualintercourse,juvenileprostitution
andsexualexploitationthroughchildabuseimages.Sexualabuseisinherentlyemotionally
abusiveandisoftenaccompaniedbyotherformsofmistreatment.Itisabetrayaloftrustandan
abuseofpoweroverthechild.TheCriminalCodeclearlyidentifiesthesebehavioursrelatedtothe
sexualabuseofchildrenasagainstthelaw.
Confidentiality:Informationthatisconfidentialisonlysharedwithpeoplewhoarelegally
authorizedtohaveaccesstoit.Forexample,lawyers,doctors,counsellorsandtherapistsmaybe
requiredtokeepinformationabouttheirclientsconfidentialunlesstheyarerequiredtodiscloseit
bylaw.(SeetheGuidingPrinciples,ValuesandBeliefsformoreinformationonConfidentiality.)
ConsenttoSexualActivity:SeetheToolkitforfurtherConsenttoSexualActivityInformation.
13|Page
DomesticViolence:Domesticviolenceisanyuseofphysicalorsexualforce,actualor
threatened,inanintimaterelationship;itmayincludephysicalassault,sexualassault,or
emotional,psychologicalorfinancialabuse.
Intimaterelationshipsincludethosebetweentheoppositesexandsamesexpartners.
Theserelationshipsvaryindurationandlegalformalityandincludecurrentandformerdating,
commonlawandmarriedcouples.Althoughbothwomenandmencanbevictimsofdomestic
violence,theoverwhelmingmajorityofthisviolenceinvolvesmenabusingwomen.
Thesecrimesareoftencommittedinacontextwherethereisapatternofabusiveand
controllingbehaviour.Itcanincludethreatstoharmpastorpresentpartners,children,other
familymembers,petsandproperty.Theviolenceisusedtointimidate,humiliateorfrighten
victims,ortomakethempowerless.Domesticviolencemayincludeasingleactofabuse.Itmay
alsoincludeanumberofacts,whichmayappearminorortrivialwhenviewedinisolation,but
collectivelyformapatternthatamountstoabuse.
CriminalCodeoffencesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,homicide,assault,sexualassault,
threateningdeathorbodilyharm,forcibleconfinement,criminalharassment,abduction,breaches
ofcourtordersandpropertyrelatedoffences.
DutytoReport:Apersonwhobelievesonreasonablegroundsthatachildisormaybeinneed
ofprotectionisrequiredtoforthwithreportthisbeliefandtheinformationonwhichitisbasedto
FamilyandChildren’sServices.Theactappliestoeverypersonwhoperformsprofessionalor
officialdutieswithrespecttoachild.ChildandFamilyServicesAct,Section72(2).
GenderedAnalysis:Thisisamethodofanalyzingsocialissuesusinggenderasaprimaryfocus.
Marginalization:Groupsorindividualsexperiencingmarginalizationlackfullandequitable
accesstothesocial,economic,culturalandpoliticalinstitutionsofsocietyandareunableto
participatefullyincommunitylife.
Offender:Thisprotocolusesthewordoffendertorefertoapersonwhohascommittedanactof
sexualviolence.
SexualAssault:Sexualassaultisanassaultcommittedincircumstancesofasexualnaturesuch
thatthesexualintegrityofthevictimisviolated.Apersonwhodirectlyorindirectlyappliesforce
intentionallytoanotherperson,orwhoattemptsorthreatenstodoso,hascommittedanassault.
Anassaultofthisnaturecanbecommittedbyanyone,includingaspouse.
SexualHarassment:Thisisanybehaviour,comment,gesture,orcontactofasexualnature
thatcouldbeconsideredobjectionableoroffensive.Itincludesunreciprocatedactions,remarks
orlooksofasexualnaturewhichtreattherecipientasasexualobject.Itmaythreatenaperson’s
safetyandsecurityorprejudicetherecipient’sjobsecurityorpromotionprospectswhile
creatingastressfulworkingenvironment.Itmayalsoprejudiceauserofservices.
14|Page
Sexualharassmentisaformofsexualviolenceandisconsideredanoffenceunderthe
OntarioHumanRightsCode.
SexualViolence:Sexualviolencecantakemanyformsincludingacquaintancerape,sexual
harassmentandsexualassault.Itisfirstandforemostanactofviolence,hatredandaggression
characterizedbyanattempttothreaten,intimidate,coerceorengageinanyunwantedbehaviour
ofasexualnature.Sexualviolenceincludes,butisnotlimitedto,sexualassaultandother
sexualoffencesincludedintheCriminalCode.
Victim/Survivor:Thistermreferstoanyonewhohasbeenthesubjectofsexualviolence.This
protocolusestheterm“victim/survivor”torefertopersonswhohaveexperiencedsexual
violence,reflectingthevariousterminologiesusedbypartneragencies.
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5COMMUNITYPARTNER
CONSULTATIONS
ACommunityPartnerConsultation(CPC)isaformalmeetingthatcanbecalledbyanySART
serviceproviderinordertocollaborateoncomplexcasesrelatedtosexualassault,wherethereis
aneedtocoordinatemultipleservices.Effectivecommunicationandplanningbetweenservice
providerscansupportavictim/survivortobuildanetworkofsupportthatnooneprovidercould
accomplishalone.
Apartneragency’sparticipationinaCPCisvoluntary;werecognizetherearetimeswhen
theycannotparticipateinthisprocess.Whenpossible,SARTpartneragenciesarecommittedto
workinginaspiritofcooperationinthebestinterestofvictim/survivorsinWaterlooRegion.Itis
importanttonotethataCPCcannotseektoinfluencethecriminaljusticeprocess.
Attimes,communitypartnerswhoarenotmembersofSARTmaybeaskedtoparticipate
inaCPC.
Purpose
x
x
x
x
x
x
Tocoordinateservicesinordertorespondeffectivelytoavictim/survivors’needs
Toidentifysupportservicesandcreateactionplans
Toassessrisk,providecollaborativesafetyplansandsupporteffortstoprotectthemselves
and/ortheirchildren
Toplayanadvocacyandsupportroleforvictim/survivorsinthecasemanagementprocess
(Thisdoesnotincludethemanagementofacasebeforethecriminalcourts)
Toassistvictim/survivorsintakingcontroloftheirliveswheneverpossible
Toreviewandevaluateinterventionsandoutcomes
Guidelines
1. AserviceprovidermayinitiateaCPCinanyoneofthefollowingsituations:
a. Wheretherearecomplexissuesand/orbarrierstoservice
b. Whenthereisaneedtocoordinatemultipleservicesorengageincollaborativeproblem
solving
c. Whenthereiselevatedrisktosafety
16|Page
2. ObtainingsignedconsentviaaCPCAuthorizationforReleaseofInformationform
a. Victim/survivorswhoare16yearsofageandolderwillbeaskedforconsenttoholda
CPC.
b. Inthecasewhereavictim/survivorisundertheageof12,alegalguardianwillbe
askedforconsenttoholdaCPC.
c. Forvictim/survivorsbetweentheagesof12to15,boththelegalguardianandthe
victim/survivorwillbeaskedforconsenttoholdaCPC.Intheeventthatonlyone
partygivesconsent,theCPCwillmoveforwardkeepinginmindtheconfidentiality
restrictionsoftheserviceprovider.
3. TheserviceproviderseekingtheCPCwillberesponsibleforcompletingconsentforms.(See
theToolkitforaCPCAuthorizationforReleaseofInformationform.)
4. Attendance
a. Thevictim/survivorwhois16yearsofageorolderwillbeinvitedtoattendtheCPC.
S/hewillbeencouragedtobringalongasupportperson.Ifthevictim/survivordeclines
toattend,s/hewillbeinvitedtopresentcommentsverballyorinwriting.
b. Theprimaryguardian(s)ofavictim/survivorundertheageof12willbeaskedtoattend
theCPCwithoutthechild.Ifthecaregiverdeclinestoattend,s/hewillbeinvitedto
presentcommentsverballyorinwriting.
c. Boththeprimaryguardian(s)andthevictim/survivorbetweentheagesof12and15
willbeinvitedtoattendtheCPC.Ifeitherpartydeclinestoattend,theywillbeinvited
topresentcommentsverballyorinwriting.
i. Intheeventthatachildbetweentheagesof12and15doesnotwishtheir
primaryguardiantobepresentattheCPC,themeetingmaymoveforward
withouttheguardian.Theguardianwillbeencouragedtosubmittheirinput
inwriting,unlesstheguardianisthesuspect.
5. TheserviceproviderwhocallstheCPCwillchairthemeeting.Iftheserviceproviderwould
liketorequestanalternativemeetingchair,onemaybechosenfromappropriatemembersof
SARToranindividualfromaSARTmemberagencyknowledgeableofthisprotocol.
6. DuringaCPC,themeetingchairwill:
a. Facilitateintroductions
b. Outlinethepurposeofthemeetingandbringforwardanycomplicatingfactorsor
increasedbarrierswhichexistforthevictim/survivor
c. Facilitateareviewofthewayinwhichpositivecollaborationhashappened
d. Facilitateariskassessmentdiscussionandcreatecollaborativesafetyplan(if
applicable)
e. Facilitateadiscussioninregardstocurrentservicegapsandbrainstormmeansof
addressingthem
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f. RecordanddisseminateanagreeduponActionPlantothevictim/survivorandto
allmemberspresentattheCPC.(SeetheToolkitfortheCPCActionPlanform.)
7. DuringtheCPC,theeffectivenessoftheprotocolwillbemonitored.Suggestionsorchallenges
willberecordedbythemeetingchairandforwardedtothecochairsofSART.
Note:Whenmultiservicecollaborationissuesarise,serviceprovidersmayparticipateinaninformalcommunity
partnermeeting,usingonlynonidentifyinginformationtodiscusscomplexsituationsintheinterestoffuture
victim/survivorswhichmayresultinindividualserviceprovidersestablishingMemorandumsofUnderstanding.
Confidentialityofpreviousvictim/survivorswillbemaintainedinthesecases.
18|Page
6PROTOCOLMANAGEMENT
ANDACCOUNTABILITY
RoleofServiceProviders
EachSARTserviceproviderhereinhasincludedasectiononaccountabilityandhascommittedto
followingtheirinternalaccountabilityprocessasdescribed.Allissuesarisingconcerningspecific
workerswillbedealtwiththroughrespectiveagencies’internalprocesses.
Werecognizethatthepotentialfordifferencesamongserviceprovidersexists.Service
providersareencouragedtocontacteachotherdirectlyifissuesarisebetweenoneanother.
RoleofSART
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
HousetheSexualAssaultResponseProtocol
EstablishandmaintaintheProtocolCommittee
Provideleadershiptointerdisciplinarytrainings
RoleoftheSARTProtocolCommittee
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
CoordinateinterdisciplinarytrainingasrelatedtotheProtocolwithsupportfromSART
Meetaminimumoftwiceannually
CoordinatearegularreviewoftheProtocolwithinaperiodnotexceedingthreeyears.The
purposeofthereviewisto:
o EnsurethattheProtocolaccuratelyreflectstheservicesavailableandtheneedsof
victims/survivors
o ProvideamechanismtoupdateandmakechangestotheProtocolinaneffortto
provideamoreeffectiveandcoordinatedresponsetovictims/survivors
o AssesstheeffectivenessoftheProtocolincludingitsabilitytomeettheprinciples
andbeliefsoftheProtocol
o ReceiveandincorporatefeedbackontheeffectivenessoftheProtocol
Issues/ComplaintsArising
ShouldanissueorcomplaintarisespecifictotheProtocolprocessassetoutherein,aservice
providercanrequestthatitembeaddedtothenextSARTagendafordiscussionandreview,
whilemaintainingvictims/survivorsconfidentiality.Protocolrevisionsmayberecommended
basedonthesediscussions.Inordertocontinuetoworkcooperatively,allserviceproviders
agreethatissueswillbebroughttothetableinthespiritofproblemsolvingratherthanforthe
purposeofattachingblame.
19|Page
7COMMUNITYORGANIZATION
PROCEDURES
ChildWitnessCentre
www.childwitness.com
100LancasterStreetEast
Kitchener,Ontario
N2H1M8
5197440904
18885440904
8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.,MondaytoFriday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
x
x
Wheelchairaccessible
Arrangementsforlanguageinterpreters
Accommodationsforhearingimpaired
Courtroomtestimonialaids
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurCentre’sExecutiveDirectorisresponsibleforensuringthatproperproceduresarecarried
out.Complaints/concernsmaycomeviaourclientquestionnaires,duringpoliceandcrownfocus
groupsessions,orinpersonotherwise,orbyemailortelephone.Allcomplaintsaresharedwith
theExecutiveDirector,andarereportedtotheBoard.
Weareanindependentregisteredcharity,accountabletoourBoardofDirectors.We
provideprogramandfinancialreportstocertainfundersasrequired,e.g.,KWUnitedWay,
UnitedWayofCambridgeandNorthDumfries,OntarioMinistryoftheAttorneyGeneral.We
alsosubmitannualfilingstoCanadaRevenueAgencyCharitiesDirectorateandtotheOntario
MinistryofGovernmentServices.
20|Page
COMMITMENTS&SERVICES
Wewill:
x Workinpartnershipwiththejusticesystemandthecommunitytoprovidesupport
servicesandimpartialcourtpreparationforchildrenwitnessesandvictimsundertheage
of18involvedinthecriminaljusticesystem;
x Reducetheriskofthecourtprocessretraumatizingchildvictimsandwitnesses;
x Helpprotectthechild’ssenseofselfworthandconfidence;
x Facilitatetruthfultestimony.
Ourprogramservicesarebasedonthefollowingbeliefs:
x Everychildshouldbetreatedwithrespectduringhisorherinvolvementinthecriminal
justicesystem;
x Everychildshouldfeelsafeandprotectedinacourtroom;
x Everychildshouldhavecourtpreparationtailoredtohisorherindividualneeds;
x Everychildshouldhaveeasyaccesstotestimonialaids,aspersection486oftheCriminal
codeofCanada;
x Achildshouldbequestionedbyadultswhoadapttheircommunicationtohisorher
developmentalageandlinguisticability;
x Achildandhis/herfamilyshouldbeadvisedofallrelevantcourtproceedingassoonas
thatinformationismadeavailable;
x AchildshouldhaveanopportunitytomeetwiththeCrownAttorneywellinadvanceof
testifying;
x Achild’sspecialneedsandvulnerabilitiesshouldbeaddressed;
x Achildfriendlycourtroomandroutineaccommodationsshouldbemadeavailablefor
everychildwhoiscalledtotestify;
x Itshouldbethenormthatcasesinvolvingchildwitnessesaredealtwithexpeditiously.
PROCEDURES
x
x
Referral,primarilythroughPolice,CrownAttorneysandtheVictim/WitnessAssistance
Program.Morethan70%ofthecasesinvolvesexualorphysicalassaultordomestic
violence.
Aftercriminalchargeshavebeenlaidinacaseinvolvingachildvictimorwitness,consent
isobtainedfromthechild/parent/guardiantonotifytheChildWitnessCentre,anda
referralisthenmadetotheagency.Weestablishafileandsendaletterofintroduction,
followedbyan‘intro’phonecallwithintwoweeks.Weexplainourroleandtheservices
weoffer,provideinformationonthecriminaljusticeprocess,andanswerrelatedquestions.
WealsothennotifytheCrown’sofficethattheChildWitnessCentreisinvolvedwiththe
case.
21|Page
CommunityAdvocatesforSexuallyAbusedMales–
CanadianMentalHealthAssociation,GrandRiverBranch
www.cmhagrb.on.ca/casam
67KingStreetEast
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G2K4
5197447645(voicemail–ext.320)
ACCESSIBILITY
x
Accessibleforpeoplewithdisabilitiesincludingphysicalandmentalhealthconcerns.
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurCentre’sDirectorofServicesisresponsibleforensuringthatproperproceduresarecarried
out.IfclientshaveacomplainttheyareurgedtocontacttheDirectorofServices.TheCMHA–
GrandRiverBranchhasaserviceaccountabilityagreementwiththeWaterlooWellingtonLocal
HealthIntegrationNetwork.
SERVICES
CommunityAdvocatesforSexuallyAbusedMalesprovideseducationandtraining,information
andreferralservicesformales,aswellastheEARSlineforconfidentiallisteningandreferral.
CASAMalso,promotesawarenessandworkswithothercommunitypartnerstoaddresstheissue
ofsexualabuse.CMHAGrandRiverBranchprovidesarangeofsupportservicesforindividuals
andtheirfamiliesexperiencingtheimpactofmentalhealthissues,aswellaseducationand
awarenessprograms.CrisisServicesofWaterlooRegionprovides24hour365daysayearcrisis
supportthroughtheCrisisLineandtheMobileCrisisTeam.
COMMITMENTS
Ouragencyiscommittedtothefollowing:
x SelfDetermination
x Empowerment
x Choice
x Citizenship
x FullParticipation
x
x
x
x
x
HolisticApproach
MutualInterdependence
RespectfortheIndividual
Excellence
Innovation
22|Page
SERVICES
Prevention,assessment,interventionandresolutionforurgentcrisissituationswithinWaterloo
Regioninclude:
x Crisislink24/7
x MobileCrisisResponse24/7
x CrisisandRiskAssessment
x LinkagestoEmergencyServices
PROCEDURES
Dependingontheimmediacyofthesexualassault,proceduresareasfollows:
Current—VolunteerorfacilitatorDistressstaffwouldassesssituationandifcallerwillingwould
transfertotheMobileCrisisTeam(MCT).IfimmediateresponsewasnecessaryandtheMCTwas
notavailabletheDistressstaffwouldassistthecallerinconnectingwiththesexualassaultteam
orpolice.Ifthecallercontinuedtobeatimminentriskformoreharmthepolicewouldbecalled.
IfthereisaconnectwiththeMobileCrisisTeamtheywouldfurtherassessthesituation
andhelptheindividualconnectwithpoliceorsexualassaultteams
Past–Ifpersonjustwantedtotalkaboutit,thenDistressCentrestaffwouldprovidesupportive
listeningand,ifnecessary,informationandreferralforotherserviceproviderssuchas
counsellingagencies.Supportwillbeprovidedfromleasttomostintrusivedependingonthe
needsoftheindividual.
CommunityJusticeInitiatives(SurvivorProgram)
www.cjiwr.com
49QueenSt.N.
Kitchener,Ontario
N2H2G9
5197446549ext.211
9:00a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
Wheelchairaccessible
Languageinterpretersareavailablefreeofcharge
23|Page
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurCentre’sExecutiveDirector,inconjunctionwiththeDirectorofProgramsandServices,is
responsibleforensuringthatproperproceduresarecarriedout.Complaintsorconcernscanbe
addressedtotheExecutiveDirectororDirectorofProgramsandServicesinregardstostaff,and
totheVolunteerCoordinatorinregardstovolunteers.
COMMITMENTS
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Acknowledgetheintrinsicworthanddignityofallhumanbeingsaccessingourservice,
andtheirrighttoinclusiveandequaltreatment;
x Wewillrespectthediverseneedsofallsurvivorsofsexualabuse/assault,including
Aboriginal,Francophone,rural,cultural,religious,andsurvivorsofvaryingabilities,
genders,ages,sexualorientationsandsocioeconomicstatus;
x GuideourselvesbyRestorativeJusticePrinciples.
SERVICES
x
x
x
x
Provideasafe,respectfulspacewheresexualabuse/assaultcanbediscussed;
Providepeersupportgroupstomaleandfemalesurvivorsofsexualabuse/assault;
Providesupport,informationandreferralstosurvivorsofsexualabuse/assault;
Providepubliceducationaboutsexualabuse/assaultanditsimpacttothoseaffectedby
sexualabuseandthecommunity.
PROCEDURES
x
x
x
x
x
x
Addressanyneedformedicalattention,hospitalizationorsafety
Providecrisisinterventionifneeded
Explainlimitsofconfidentiality
Assessanysafetyrisk/exploresafetyplan
Provideinformation,options,supportandreferrals
Conductintake/assessmenttodeterminesuitabilityforpeersupportgroupparticipation
24|Page
ConestogaCollegeInstituteofTechnologyand
AdvancedLearning–Safety&SecurityServices
www.conestogac.on.ca
299DoonValleyDrive
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G4M4
Office:(519)7485220Ext.2258
7:00a.m.to11:30p.m.
ACCESSIBILITY
x
HealthServices,CounsellingServices,DisabilityServices,InternationalStudentServices
andSecurityServicesavailableonsite.
ACCOUNTABILITY
TheAdministration(Chairs,Deans,Directors,Supervisors,Managers,andCoordinators)is
responsibleforensuringthatproperproceduresarecarriedout. Formalreportingsystemsarein
placeatConestogaCollegetoreportcomplaintsorconcernsinregardstostaff,studentsorsafety.
SafetyandsecurityconcernscanbereporteddirectlytotheSafetyandSecurityServicesoffice
wheretheyaredocumentedandinvestigated.ConcernsfromstudentsabouttheCollegeorstaff
canbereporteddirectlytotheVicePresidentofStudentAffairsthroughtheuseofa“Student
Concerns”formfoundonlineattheCollegewebsite.Weareaccountabletothefollowing
bodies:OntarioMinistryofCollegesandUniversities,OntarioMinistryofCommunitySafetyand
CorrectionalServices,andtheOntarioMinistryofLabour.
COMMITMENTS&SERVICES
Wewillassistinwhatevercapacitythevictim/survivorrequestsorneeds.Policeinvolvement
onlyoccursontherequestofthevictimifnoBodilyHarm,AggravatedAssaultorWeapons
involved.
Weofferthefollowingservices:
x WalkSafe:providesescortsforfaculty,staff,andstudentstoanyareasoncampus,
residence,andhomesinthenearvicinity
x EmergencyPhoneslocatedinstrategicareasaroundtheCollegeprovidingadirectlinkto
SecurityServices
PROCEDURES
x
x
Tendtovictim/survivor(firstaid,EMS,SexualAssaultSupportCentre).
Obtaindetails/circumstancesofassault.
25|Page
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Contactpolice/EMSimmediatelyifsuspectonsite,injuriesorweaponinvolved.
NotifyCollegeSecuritySupervisororDirector.
Directvictim/survivortocommunitysupportagenciesiftheyrefusepoliceinvolvement.
Remainwithvictim/survivorthroughprocessifheorsherequestsustodoso.
SubmitoccurrencereporttoDirectorofSecurity.
CollegeadministrationadvisedofcircumstancesbyDirectorofSecurity.
Assistpoliceasrequested/required.
Increasesecuritymeasures/presenceifrequired.
Createsafetyplansforanyotherstafforstudentsatrisk.
Providepreventioneducation.
Briefcollegeadministrationonprogressofinvestigationandvictim/survivor’swellbeing.
OfficeoftheCrownAttorney – WaterlooRegion
200FrederickStreet,3rdFloor
Kitchener,Ontario
N2H6N9
5197413222
8:30a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
Wheelchairaccessible
Languageinterpretersareavailablefreeofcharge
ACCOUNTABILITY
TheCrownAttorneysofficeispartoftheMinistryoftheAttorneyGeneralfortheProvinceof
Ontario.Sexualassaultprosecutionsareconductedaccordingtothepoliciesanddirectivesofthe
MinistryoftheAttorneyGeneral.Complaintsregardingstaffmaybeaddressedwiththe
individualstaffmemberorthemanagingCrownAttorney.
PROCEDURES
Afterthepolicehavelaidcriminalcharges,theCrownAttorneysofficeisresponsibleforthe
prosecutionofcriminalcharges.
AllfilesarescreenedinaccordancewiththeChargeScreeningpoliciesoftheMinistryof
theAttorneyGeneraltodeterminewhetherthereisareasonableprospectofconvictionanda
publicinterestintheprosecution.Ifthereisareasonableprospectofconvictionandapublic
interestintheprosecution,theCrownwillcontinuewiththeprosecutionoftheoffender.
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StaffliaisewiththeVictim/WitnessAssistanceProgramandtheChildWitnessCentreto
providefortheappropriateexchangeofinformation,arrangeinpersonmeetings,trial
preparation,andvictimimpactstatements.
Incasesthatresolvewithoutthenecessityofatrial,thevictim/survivorwillbecontactedto
provideavictimimpactstatement.
Whenamatterissetfortrial,theCrownAttorneysofficewillmakeeffortstoensurethat
thevictim/survivormeetswiththeassignedCrowninadvanceofthetrialdateinordertodiscuss
thecase,theevidence,andanyconcernstheymayhave.
Ifamattercannotproceed,thevictim/survivorwillbeofferedanopportunitytomeetwith
theassignedCrowntodiscussanyconcerns.
Family&Children’sServicesofWaterlooRegion
www.facswaterloo.org
200ArdeltAvenue
Kitchener,Ontario
N2C2L9
Office:5195760540
24hoursaday
ChildProtectionInvestigationsarehandledthroughFamily&Children’sServicesChild
ProtectionService.ClinicalServicesareofferedthroughtheSexualAbuseTreatmentProgramat
Family&Children’sServices;nochildprotectionfileisrequiredtoreceiveclinicalservice.
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
Wheelchairaccessible
InterpretationthroughtheKitchenerWaterlooMulticulturalCentre
ACCOUNTABILITY
Allservicestochildrenwhohaveexperiencedsexualassaultthatfallwithinthemandateofchild
protection(asdeterminedbytheChildandFamilyServicesActandtheOntarioEligibility
Spectrum)areinvestigatedaccordingtochildprotectionstandardsandprocedures.AllStaffwho
offerservicestochildrenwhohaveexperiencedsexualassaultreceiveregularcaseworkand
clinicalsupervisiontoensurethatproperproceduresarebeingcarriedout.AnyClientswhoare
dissatisfiedwiththeservicetheyreceivemayregisteracomplaint.
ComplaintscanbemadetoF&CSdirectlyorbygoingtotheChildandFamilyServices
ReviewBoard(CFSRB).Theprotectionofchildrenistheuniqueresponsibilityofmandated
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Children’sAidSocieties.Currently,theCASissubjecttoavarietyofmandatedoversightsand
rigorousstandards
COMMITMENTS
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Promoteandsafeguardthebestinterests,protectionandwellbeingofthechildinkeeping
withthepurposeoftheChildandFamilyServicesAct
x Employees,boardmembers,fosterparents,placementstudentsandvolunteershavea
responsibilitytoadvocatechange
o inthebestinterestsofthechild
o forthesupportoffamilies
o forthestrengthandcapacityofthecommunitytonurturechildrenandfamilies
x ProvideservicesinanonjudgmentalatmospheretoallclientsregardlessoftheirRace,
Ancestry,PlaceofOrigin,Colour,EthnicOrigin,Citizenship,Creed,Gender,Sexual
Orientation,Age,Religion,MaritalStatus,SameSexPartnershipStatus,FamilyStatus,
Disability,LanguageorRecordofOffenses.
PROCEDURES–CHILDPROTECTION
1. ReferralsareprocessedthroughtheInitialResponse(screening)unitandarecoded
accordingtotheEligibilitySpectrum,Section1Scale3:AbusiveSexualActivity.
2. Themajorityofsexualabuseinvestigationsrequireaninitial12hourresponsetimeandare
investigatedbyaChildProtectionWorker.
3. Wherethereisapossibilityofcriminalchargesbeinglaid,ajointinvestigationisdoneby
FamilyandChildren’sServicesandWaterlooRegionalPolice’sMajorCaseUnit
4. Uponcompletionoftheinvestigation,thefileiseitherclosedortransferredforongoing
services.
5. Ifthefileistransferredtoongoingservice,thenthefileistransferredtotheFamily
Violence/SexualAbuse/CustomizedResponseserviceareawhereverpossible.Thisservice
areaincludestheSexualAbuseTreatmentProgram(SATP).TreatmentServicesfrom
SATPareavailabletoallverifiedcasesofsexualabusewhetherornottheprotectionfile
remainsopenorclosed.SATPoffersgroupindividualandfamilycounsellingtochildren
andyouthwhohaveexperiencedsexualabuse,youthwhohavesexuallyoffended,
childrenwithconcerningsexualbehaviorproblemsandyouthwhohaveexperienced
sexualassault.SATPalsoofferspreventionandconsultationservices.AreferraltoSATP
canbeinitiatedbytheChildProtectionWorker,familyorcommunitybycontactingthe
supervisoroftheSexualAbuseServicesTeam.
PROCEDURES&SERVICES–SEXUALABUSETREATMENTPROGRAM(SATP)
1. SATPofferscrisisofdisclosure,group,individualandfamilycounsellingtochildrenand
youthuptoage18whohaveexperiencedsexualabuse.Servicesarealsoofferedforyouth
whohaveexperiencedsexualassaultbyapeer,youthwhohavesexuallyoffendedand
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childrenwithconcerningsexualbehaviorproblems.SATPofferspreventionservicesfor
vulnerablechildrenandyouthwhoareconsideredatriskofsexualassault.Monthlywalk
inclinicsareheldtoofferanonymousconsultationservicesforthecommunityregarding
healthysexualityandsexualabusetreatment.Consultationscanalsobeaccessedby
contactingthesupervisorofSATP.TheprogramisrunbyaskilledteamofMSWlevel
clinicianswhospecializeintheareaofsexualabusetreatment.
2. Familiesdonotneedtohaveanactivechildprotectionfiletoreceiveservicesbutall
suspectedcasesofchildsexualabusebyacaregiver,familymemberorsomeoneina
positionofauthority/trustneedtobeinvestigatedbyFamily&Children’sServicespriorto
receivingtreatmentservices.
3. AreferraltoSATPcanbeinitiatedbythechildprotectionworker,byselfreferralorbyany
otherserviceproviderbycontactingthesupervisoroftheSexualAbuseTreatment
Programat5195761329.Allservicesareofferedfreeofchargeandassistancewith
transportationisavailabletoresidentsofWaterlooRegion.Allreferralsareprocessed
within2448hoursandcrisisofdisclosureappointmentsaretypicallyofferedwithinone
weekfromtheinitialphonecall.
FamilyCounsellingCentreofCambridgeandNorth
Dumfries
www.fcccnd.com
18WalnutStreet
Cambridge,Ontario
N1R2E7
5196215090
9:00a.m.to9:00p.m.,MondaytoThursdayand9:00a.m.to2:00p.m.,Friday
ACCOUNTABILITY
Weareacommunitybased,notforprofitagencyandreceivefundingfromanumberofsources
toensurethehealth,safetyandwellbeingofourcommunity.Weworkwithmany
communitypartnerstobuildastronger,saferfutureforourcommunity.
COMMITMENTS
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Provideaprofessional,confidentialandsafeenvironmentforall
x Respectallpeopleonanequalbasis
x Valueindividualsabilitytochoosetheirowndirection
x Exerciseourresponsibilitytoprotectthesafetyofourclientsandthecommunity
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x
x
x
Promoteaccessibleservicethroughcommunityoutreachandpartnership
Promoteresponsibleandbalanceduseofpower
Promoterespect,equalityandunderstanding
SERVICES
Theagencyprovidesavarietyofprogramsandservicesforindividualsandfamiliesimpactedby
sexualabuseanddomesticviolence.Manyoftheseservicesaresubsidizedandothersareoffered
onafeeforservicebasiswithaslidingscaledependingonincome.
SexualAssault
TheFamilyCounsellingCentreofferspersonalcounsellingforbothmalesandfemalesimpacted
bysexualabuse.TheagencypartnerswiththeSexualAssaultSupportCentreofWaterlooRegion
toofferagroupforwomenwhoarehealingfromsexualabuse.
TheHealingoftheSevenGenerations
42CollegeStreet
UpperUnit
Kitchener,Ontario
N2H5A1
Office:5195709118
Tollfree:18666766009
ACCESSIBILITY
x
AllAboriginalpeopleandcommunitymembersinWaterlooRegionarewelcome.
ACCOUNTABILITY
TheExecutiveDirectorandFoundingMember,andtheBoardofDirectorsareresponsiblefor
ensuringthatproperproceduresarecarriedout.Complaintsorconcernscanbeaddressedtothe
ExecutiveDirector.Allcomplaintsandconcernswillbeheardandaccommodationswillbemade
asnecessary,whereverpossible.TheHealingoftheSevenGenerationsisaccountabletoour
funders,theMinistryofChildrenandYouthServicesandtheTrilliumFoundation.Ultimately,
weareaccountabletothecommunity.
COMMITMENTS
WearecommittedtoworkingwithallAboriginalpeopleandcommunitymembersinthe
WaterlooRegion,especiallythoseindividualswhoaresufferingfromtheeffectsofthelegacyof
theresidentialschoolsystem,includingintergenerationalimpactssuchassexualabuse.
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Wearecommittedtoprovide:
x Safespaces
x Theutmostsupportbothinsideandoutsidetheorganization
x Informationaboutrelevantresourcesandopportunitiestoconnectwiththoseresources
x OpportunitiesforaftercarewithintheWaterlooRegionoroutsidetheregionifrequested
x Alltheaboveforindividualsand/ortheirchildren
Thereisnotimelimittotheserviceprovided.
SERVICES
Allsurvivorswillbetaughttousetraditionalhealingapproachesastoolsintheirhealing.Such
practicesinclude:
x Prayer
x Ceremony
x Songs
x Dance
x Drumming
x Dreams
x Fasting
x Medicines
x Nontraditionalhealingwillalsobetaught,includingart,movement,relaxation,and
writing.
Wherenecessary,survivorshavealsoaccessto:
x HealingLodge
x TreatmentCentre
x Elders,traditionalhealers,andmedicinepeople
x Women’sHealingCircle
PROCEDURES
Thefollowingwouldoccurwhenrelevanttotheindividualsituation:
x Ensuringimmediatepersonalsafety,includingbeingtransportedtoasafeenvironment
(withacommunitymemberwithinWaterlooRegionorwithinourextendedareaofservice
asneededtoensuresafety)
x Securingaccesstoemergencyhousing
x Accompanimenttoindividual’sresidencetoretrievepersonalpossessions
x Contactingpoliceservicesandprovidingsupportintalkingwithpolice
x Inacasewhereachildoryouthisinvolved,contactingFamily&Children’sServices
x Supportwithfindingalawyerandgoingthroughcourtprocesses
x Lookingatfinancesandprovidingassistancewherenecessary
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JohnHowardSocietyofWaterlooWellington
www.waterloo.johnhoward.on.ca
310CharlesStreetEast
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G2P9
5197436071ext.213
8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.,MondaytoFriday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
Physicallyaccessible
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurCentre’sExecutiveDirectorandProgramManagerareultimatelyresponsibleforensuring
thatproperproceduresarecarriedout.ComplaintsorconcernscanbeaddressedtotheExecutive
DirectororProgramManager.Ourfundersholdusaccountable.Wearealsoaccountabletothe
MinistryofAttorneyGeneral,MinistryofChildrenandYouthServices,MinistryofCommunity
SafetyandCorrectionalServices,MinistryofCommunityandSocialServices,andtheUnited
Way.Ifthecoordinatorisregistered,theymaybeaccountabletotheOntarioCollegeofSocial
WorkersandSocialServiceWorkers.
COMMITMENTS
OurGuelphofficeisapartoftheGuelphWellingtonCommunityProtocolonSexualAssault&
DomesticViolence,2010,andisboundbythecommitmentslaidouttherein.
SERVICES
x
x
x
Addressphysicalandmedicalneedsbyofferingareferraltotheemergencydepartmentat
thelocalhospital(formedicalcareassessment,documentationofinjuriesand/orforensic
services,preventionofsexuallytransmitteddisease,pregnancypreventionandcrisis
support)andconnecttheindividualwithWaterlooRegionSexualAssault/Domestic
ViolenceTreatmentCentre;offertoassistwiththisreferral.
Explainthevariousresourcesavailableincluding
o Communityresources
o CrisisLines
o SexualAssaultSupportCentreofWaterlooRegion
o Theoptionofreportingtheassaulttothepolice
Consideranybarriersthatmayhaveanimpactonabilitytoaccessserviceincluding
language,financialneed,disability,transportation,geographiclocation,culture,age,and
sexualorientation.Ifnecessary,helptoproblemsolveinaddressingthese(forexample,
assistincallingorarrangingtransportation).
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x
x
x
x
Ifchildrenwereinvolved,considerwhetherareferraltoFamily&Children’sServicesis
needed.
Encourageindividualtofindsomeonetotalkto,whetheritbeprofessionalcounselling
services,afriend,familymember,pastorortrustedpersonintheirfamily,communityor
faithcommunity.
Iftheindividualisacontinuedclientofourprogram(s),wewillfollowuptodeterminethe
outcomesandcontinuedplansofaction.
Iftheclientisnotacurrentclientofourprogram(s),wewillensurethattheyhaveour
contactinformationiftheydeterminethatwecanbeoffurtherassistancetothem.
KitchenerWaterlooMulticulturalCentre
www.kwmc.on.ca
102KingStreetWest
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G1A6
Office:(519)7452531
24hourEmergencyInterpreterServices:(519)7452593
9:00a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoThursday
9:00a.m.to12:00noon,Friday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
Wheelchairaccessible.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Anycomplaintsorissuesinregardstolanguageinterpretationservicesshouldbedirectedtothe
CoordinatorofInterpreterServicesortheExecutiveDirector. Wearearegisterednotforprofit
organization,accountabletoourBoardofDirectors.Weprovideprogramandfinancialreportsto
ourmanyfundersandtoourmembers.Ourinterpretershaveallreceivedaminimumof90hours
oftraining,arelanguagetestedandpassedapolicerecordscheckforservicewiththevulnerable
sector.
COMMITMENTS&SERVICES
Wewill,withinthemandateofourserviceandfunding:
x Providelanguageinterpreterservicesforallvictim/survivorsofsexualviolencein
WaterlooRegionatnochargetotheserviceproviderorclient.
x Providelanguageinterpreterstohelpserviceprovidersandvictim/survivorswhodonot
speakEnglishtocommunicatewithoneotherinemergencyandnonemergencysituations.
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x
x
Ensurewehavepermissionfromthevictim/survivortoprovidelanguageinterpretation
servicesforthem.
EnsureourlanguageinterpretersfollowtheStandardofPracticeandCodeofEthicsfor
Interpreterswhichincludesaccuracyandfidelity,confidentiality,impartiality,
maintenanceofroleboundaries,accountabilityandprofessionalism.
PROCEDURES
x
x
x
Whenalanguageinterpreterisrequired,serviceprovidersshouldcall(519)7452593and
leaveamessageincludingtheirname,agencyname,number,whatlanguageisrequired,
andthedateinterpretationserviceisrequired.
Inemergencysituationsinvolvingsexualassaultand/ordomesticviolence,callsfor
languageinterpreterservicesleftatthisnumberwillbereturnedimmediately.
Innonemergencysituations,callsleftintheeveningorontheweekendwillbereturned
thenextbusinessday.
Lutherwood
www.lutherwood.ca
LutherwoodFamilyCounsellingServices
35DicksonStreet
Cambridge,Ontario
N1R7A6
(519)6221670
(519)6239380
(519)7431460ext.298
8:30amto8:30pm,MondaytoThursday
8:30amto5:00pm,Friday
TheBettyThompsonYouthCentre/
CommunityYouthJusticeMentalHealth
Services
41WeberSt.West
Kitchener,Ontario
N2H3Z1
(519)7498305(Reception)
(519)7492450(SafeHaven)
24hoursaday
TheFrontDoor
1770KingStreetEast
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G2P1
(519)7492932
8:30amto4:30pm,MondaytoFriday
ACCOUNTABILITY
Allstaffmembersandcounsellorsarethoroughlytrainedandresponsibleforfollowing
Lutherwoodpoliciesandprocedures.TheLeadershipTeamensuresaccountabilityofstaffto
ensurethatwefulfillourmandate.AhandbookisprovidedtoallMentalHealthServices(MHS)
34|Page
clientsattheIntakeinterviewandpages19to21outlinetheclientGrievanceProcedurewhich
consistsofaThreeStepprocedure.Lutherwoodisanindependentnonprofitorganization
accountabletoitsfundersandthroughitsaccreditation.
COMMITMENTS
Wewill:
x Providetimelyindividualcounsellingtosurvivorsassistingthemtoworkthroughthe
impactoftheirexperienceof/orexposuretosexualand/ordomesticviolence
x Offercounsellingthatincludessafetyplanning,emotionalandtherapeuticsupport,
discussionaboutoptionsandinformationaboutcommunityresources,skillbuilding,
educationandtherapeuticresponsetotheaftereffectsoftheviolenceexperience/trauma
x Offeranappointmentwithinafewdaysoftheindividual’sinitialcall
x Informindividualsofourconfidentialitypoliciesandprocedures,disclosureobligations
andotherrelevantpoliciesandprocedureimpactingservice
x Whenappropriate,andifrequested,referclienttoourgroupprograms
x Whenappropriate,referclienttocommunitypartnersforspecializedservices
SERVICES
Inordertoprovideacompletetreatmentprogram,thefollowingservicesmayoccurwhileclients
areinvolvedinLutherwoodMHSprograms:
x NeedsAssessmentishowclientsexpresstheirwisheswithrespecttotreatmentat
LutherwoodFamilyCounsellingServicesandIntakeatFrontDoor.Clinicalstaff
completestheNeedsAssessmentearlyintheprocessandrecommendationsareshared
withtheclient.
x TherapeuticInterventions–ClinicalstaffatLutherwoodhavebeentrainedinseveral
therapeuticmodels.Dependingontheneedsidentifiedbytheclient,theclinicianwilluse
themodelbestsuitingthepresentingissuesoftheclient.
PROCEDURES
1. Lutherwood’sMentalHealthServices(MHS)Departmenttreatmentinterventionand
serviceprograms’firststepistheIntakemeeting.
2. AtLutherwoodFamilyCounsellingServices,afterselfreferral,orconfirmationbythe
clientofareferralinitiatedbyathirdparty,theclientisinvitedtovisitoneofouroffices
andwewillaskdetailedquestionsabouthistory,lifesituationandpresentdistressto
assessthetypesandextentofconcerns.
3. AftertheIntakemeeting,theclientwillbecontactedbytelephonetosetupameetingwith
thecounsellorwhoisassignedtothefile.
TheIntakeprocessisdifferentformanyoftheYouthprogramsofferedatBenjaminRoad.Front
DooristhecentralizedaccessforchildrenandyouthrequiringmentalhealthservicesinWaterloo
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Region.Lutherwoodalsoservesmandatedclientswhohavebeensentencedtoopencustody(285
BenjaminRoad).
MennoniteCentralCommitteeOntario
ontario.mcc.org(donotincludewww)
50KentAvenue
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G3R1
5197458458
8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.,MondaytoFriday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
Officelocationhasanelevatorbutmanytimesprogramparticipantsaremetwithinthe
community
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurorganizationisgovernedbyagovernanceboardthatoverseesallprogramsinOntario,
thoughmanagementandmaintenanceofprogramsaretheresponsibilityofstaff.Mennonite
CentralCommittee(MCC)hasharassmentpolicies(includingracialorsexual)thatincludea
procedureforreportingcomplaintswithanyProgramCoordinatorincludingourHuman
ResourcesCoordinator.OuragencyisaccountabletotheMennoniteCentralCommitteeof
Ontariogoverningboard.Weworkinpartnershipwithseveralnationalnetworks.
COMMITMENTS
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Beinclusiveandprovideequaltreatmentforallpeopleaccessingourservices,whilebeing
sensitivetoissuesrelatedtorace,language,ethnicity,gender,age,sexualorientation,
socioeconomicstatus,and/orabilitiesofindividuals.
SERVICES
x
x
x
OurCirclesofCareprogramworkswithvictimsofabusewhoareseniors.Staffand
volunteersworkwiththeseseniorstofindsafeandsecuresolutionstotheirsituations.
OurSexualMisconductandAbuseResponseResourceTeam(SMARRT)initiativeworks
withinchurchorchurchinstitutionsettingswhentherehasbeenaboundarycrossing
(includingsexualassaults)byleadershipmembers(includingvoluntaryandpaidleaders).
OurCirclesofSupportandAccountabilityprogramworkswithmenwhohaveoffended
sexually,andarelivinginthecommunityStaffandvolunteersworkwiththemento
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supportthemandholdthemaccountableforthechoicesandpreventarelapsetothose
behaviorsthathaveledtothevictimizationofothers.Thegoalofthisprogramisto
preventfurthervictims.Willalsorespondtothevictimizationthathasbeenexperienced
onthepartoftheoffender,butwillnotsupportvictimizationasareasonforperpetuating
harm.
PROCEDURES
x
x
x
Ifthereisaboundarycrossingwithinoneofconstituentchurchesandwereceiveareferral,
wecallthepoliceifaminorisinvolved.IfoneofourCirclesofSupportand
Accountability(COSA)participantsdisclosessexualassaultactivities,ourprocedureisto
callthepoliceorappropriatelegalauthority
Ifthereisasexualharassmentcomplaint,wefollowourprocedurementionedabove:
reportingtocoordinators,investigation,resolutionorfurthergrievanceprocedures.
Ifaminorissuspectedorreportedtohavebeenassaulted,wenotifyauthorities
immediately.
MosaicCounsellingandFamilyServices
www.mosaiconline.ca
400QueenStreetSouth
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G1W7
5197436333
8:00a.m.to9:00p.m.,MondaytoThursday
8:00a.m.to5:00p.m.,Friday
8:00to4:00p.m.,Saturday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
Wheelchairaccessible
LanguageinterpretersareavailablefreeofchargethroughtheKWMulticulturalCentre
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurCentre’sClinicalsupervisors,programdirectorsandExecutiveDirectorareresponsiblefor
ensuringthatproperproceduresareimplemented.Ifclientshaveacomplaintaboutanyaspectof
Mosaic,whichaffectsservicestothem,theyareurgedtospeaktotheircounsellor,theintake
worker,thecounsellor’sclinicalsupervisorortheexecutivedirector.Atanytime,clientsmay
requestachangeincounsellor.Suchrequestsaregrantedwithoutchallengeorneedfor
explanation.AllcounsellorsemployedbyMosaicmustberegisteredwiththeOntarioCollegeof
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SocialWorkersandSocialServiceWorkers.Asmembers,allofthecounsellorsareaccountableto
upholdtheethicalstandardssetoutinthe“SocialWorkCodeofEthics.”Asanagency,Mosaicis
alsoaccreditedbyFamilyServiceOntario.
COMMITMENTS
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Ensurethatourservicestosexualassaultvictims/survivorsarealignedwiththeguiding
principles,valuesandbeliefslaidoutinthisprotocol.
x Respectandaffirmthedignity,choices,privacyandvaluesofourclients
x Ensurealldecisions,planninganddeliveryofservicesaregroundedinthe
needs/preferencesofclients
SERVICES
Mosaicprovidesavarietyofcounsellingmodalitiesforfemaleandmalevictims/survivorsof
sexualassaultincluding:
x Individual(beginningfromtoddlerswhohaveadequatelanguageskillstoseniors),couple,
familyandgroupcounsellingforwomenwhoarechildhoodsexualabusesurvivorsand
forwomenwhoarevictims/survivorsofdomesticviolence.Thesegroupsarehelpfulfor
clientswhosesexualassaultperpetratorwasanintimatepartnerorfamilymember.
x Counsellingforfriends,partnersorfamilymemberswhohavebeenimpactedbythe
sexualassaultoftheclient.Thismaybedonewiththevictim/survivorofthesexualassault
(uponthesurvivor/victim’srequest)orindependently.Wenever(knowingly)offer
counsellingtoaperpetratorofsexualassaultordomesticviolencewhenweareoffering
servicestothevictim.Werefertheperpetratortoothercommunityservices.
x Victims/survivorsofsexualassaultalsohavequickandeasyaccesstotheFamilyViolence
Project,acollaborativeofagenciesprovidingwraparoundservice,allunderoneroofat
Mosaic.Servicesincludepolicetrainedtodealwithfamilyviolence,elderabuseservices,
safetyplanning,shelters,supportforsexualassaultvictims,children’sservices,
counselling,financialcounselling,systemsupportandadvocacy.
x Providesupport,information,advocacy,referralstocommunityservices,assistancewith
lettersforcourtandCriminalInjuriesCompensationBoardapplications.
PROCEDURES
1.
Frontdeskreceptionistsaretrainedtogreet“walkin”clientswithsensitivityandrespect
andtolinkthemwithanintakeworkeroranavailablecounsellortodoanintake
interview.
2. Callersareinformedofintakehourssothattheycancallandspeaktoanintakeworkeror
areinvitedtoleaveanameandnumberonaconfidentialvoicemailiftheywish.
3. Callersareaskedtoidentify,onavoicemailmessage,ifitissafetocallbackandleavea
messageandareaskedtoprovideagoodtimetoreachthem.Clientsareadvisedthatthe
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callbackwillbefromanunlistednumber.Thisisdonetoprotecttheconfidentialityofthe
client.
4. Theneedformedicalinterventionisassessedand,ifneeded,areferralismadetoSt.
Mary’sHospital.Followupiscompletedwithintakeassessmentforservices.
5. Barrierstoserviceareassessedandaddressedandlanguageinterpretersareinvolvedif
required.
6. Inquiryismadeastowhethersexualassaultwasrecentorhistorical.
7. Ifrecent(lessthanoneyear)andsexualassaultandmedicalattentionisnotrequired,a
referralismadetoSexualAssault/DomesticViolenceTreatmentCentre(SADVTC).
8. Ifhistoricsexualassaultduringchildhood,casesareassignedtoindividualcounselling
withacounsellorexperiencedintreatingchildhoodsexualabuseortoMosaic’sWeaving
OurVoicesgroupdependingontheclient’spreference.
9. Ifachildhasexperiencedhistoricsexualassault,theyareassignedtoachildren’stherapist
withexperienceintraumatreatment.
10. ClientsareassignedtocounsellorsinourKitchenerorCambridgeofficesdependingon
whatismostsuitablefortheclient.
11. Ifsexualassaultoccurswithincontextofarelationshipincludingotherformsofdomestic
violence,theindividualisreferredtotheSexualAssault/DomesticViolenceTreatment
Centre,aswellasacounsellorexperiencedinDVortoMosaic’sUnderstandingMegroup
dependingontheclient’spreference.
SexualAssaultSupportCentreofWaterlooRegion
www.sascwr.org
MainOffice:
201–151FrederickStreet
Kitchener,Ontario
N2H2M2
SatelliteOffice:
SASCinpartnershipwith“LANGS”
1145ConcessionRoad
Cambridge,ON
N3H4L6
Office:(519)5710121
9:00a.m.to4:30p.m.,MondaytoFriday
24hourCrisis&SupportLine:(519)7418633
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
x
Bothofficesarewheelchairaccessible.
LanguageinterpretersareavailablefreeofchargethroughtheKitchenerWaterloo
MulticulturalCentre.Brochuresandwebsiteareavailableinmultiplelanguages.
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered/Queerpositivespace.
39|Page
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurCentre’sPublicRelations&OperationsManagerisresponsibletoensureproperprocedures
arecarriedout.GeneralconcernscanbedirectedtothePublicRelations&OperationsManager.
ConcernscanalsobeaddressedtotheCrisisLine/VolunteerManagerinregardstothe24hour
Crisis&SupportLineortheChairofHumanResourcesCommitteeinregardstocounselling
services.
WeareanindependentregisteredcharityaccountabletoourBoardofDirectors.We
provideprogramandfinancialreportstocertainfundingbodiesasrequired,e.g.,theMinistryof
theAttorneyGeneral.
COMMITMENTS
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Utilizehumanitarianandfeministideals,therebyacknowledgingtheintrinsicworthand
dignityofallthoseaccessingourservices,andtheirrighttoinclusiveandequalservices;
x Recognizeandwillbesensitivetothelinksbetweensexualassaultandotherformsof
intersectingoppressionincludingsex,genderidentity,sexualorientation,race,ethnicity,
age,socioeconomicstatus,abilities,oranyotherexperienceofmarginalization;
x Providefreeandconfidentialservices.
SERVICES
x
x
x
x
x
x
Provide24hoursupport,information,crisisintervention,andreferralstofemale,male,
andtransgenderedvictims/survivorsandtheirfriendsandfamiliesthroughour24hour
Crisis&SupportLine;
Provideshorttermsupporttoadultfamilyandfriendsofvictims/survivors;
Providewomenandtranspeople,16yearsofageandolder,with:
o IndividualandgroupcounsellinginKitchenerandinCambridge(bothshortterm
andlongterm)
o Advocacyandaccompanimentstothepolicestation,courthouse,hospitalorother
relatedappointments
o AssistancewithCriminalInjuriesCompensationBoardapplicationsandVictim
ImpactStatements
o Practicalassistance(transportation,etc.)
o Safetyplanning
o Supportinregardstoexperiencesofsexualharassment
o Othersupportsasrequested
Provideindividualcounsellingtomalesurvivors;
Providepubliceducationonsexualassaulttogroupsimpactedbysexualviolenceandthe
communityatlarge;
Providetrainingtocommunitypartnersonhowtorespondwhensomeonediscloses
sexualassault.
40|Page
PROCEDURES
Anypersonimpactedbyexperiencesofsexualassault/abuseisencouragedtocallour24hour
Crisis&SupportLineat(519)7418633forimmediatesupportandinformation.Whentheycall
thisnumber,theyhavetwooptions:
x Iftheyarecomfortableleavingtheirfirstnameandaphonenumber,asupportworkerwill
callthembackwithinapproximatelyfivetosevenminutes.
x Iftheydonotwishtoleavetheirnumber,ortheyareunabletodoso,theyhavetheoption
ofholdingonthelinewhiletheansweringservicepatchesthemthroughtoasupport
workerdirectly.
Anypersonwishingtoaccessindividualorgroupcounsellingisencouragedtocallouroffice
numberandspeakwithacounsellordirectly.Atthistime,peopleareaskedtoidentifythe
following:
x Iftheyarecallinginregardstoarecentassault(withinthelastyear)orahistoricalassault
x IftheywouldliketoaccesssupportinKitchenerorinCambridge
x Ifitissafeandappropriatetoleaveamessageatthenumbertheyhaveprovided
InitialContact:
1) Assessneedformedicalattentionand/orimmediatesafety
x Considerinvolvingemergencyservices
2) Assessandaddressbarrierstoservice
x Considerinvolvingatranslator,addressingaccessibilityneeds,oraddressingother
barriers
x ConsiderareporttoFamily&Children’sServicesoftheWaterlooRegionif
necessary
3) Explainthelimitsofconfidentiality
x ConsiderinvolvingWaterlooRegionalPoliceServiceifnecessary
4) Establishcommunication,processfeelings,validatevictim’s/survivor’sexperience,
challengemyths
5) Providecrisisinterventionifneeded
6) Explorecopingskills/supportsystemsinplace
7) Presentinformation,choicesandoptions
x ConsiderreferraltoWaterlooRegionSexualAssault/DomesticViolenceTreatment
Centre
8) Providesafetyplanningifneeded
x Considercreatingacontractwiththevictim/survivorifneeded
9) Offeranaccompanimentorassistancewithtransportationasappropriateandaccordingto
internalpolicies
41|Page
VictimServicesofWaterlooRegion
www.vswr.ca
200MapleGroveRoad,P.O.Box3070
Cambridge,Ontario
N3H5M1
Office:5195852363
Afterhours:5195705143
8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.,MondaytoFriday
24hourcrisisintervention
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
x
Allofficesarewheelchairaccessible
Culturalinterpretersareavailablethroughvolunteerbase
CrisiscardsinBraille
ACCOUNTABILITY
OurCentre’sExecutiveDirector,isresponsibleforensuringthattheirproperproceduresare
carriedout.Generalcomplaints/concernscanbedirectedtotheExecutiveDirector.Asan
organizationweareaccountabletoOntarioVictimServicesSecretariat,MinistryoftheAttorney
General(primaryfunder)andourBoardofDirectors(governingbody).
COMMITMENTS
Ourobjectiveistolessentheimpactoftraumathrough:
x Immediatecrisisintervention(onscene/telephone)
x Communityreferrals
x Emotionalandpracticalsupport
x Courtaccompaniment
x Limitedfinancialassistanceforspecificcrimes
x CaseManagementforhighriskvictims(DomesticViolenceEmergencyResponseSystem)
x Publiceducation
x SafetyPlanning
x Recognizancenotification
x Advocacy
SERVICES
Immediatecrisisintervention,emotionalandpracticalsupport,extensivesafetyplanning,bail
notification,courtaccompaniment,communityreferrals,followupsupport,limitedfinancial
assistanceandfreepersonalhomealarmsthatpromoteacaseplanningapproachtovictim
support.
42|Page
24hourtelephonesupport
Anypersonimpactedbycrime/tragiccircumstancecancontactouragencybycalling5195852363
whichisansweredbyourtelephoneansweringservice.Theyhavetwooptions:
1) Iftheyarecomfortableleavingtheirfirstnameandaphonenumber,acrisisresponderwill
callthembackwithinapproximately10minutes.
2) Iftheydonotwishtoleavetheirnumber,ortheyareunabletodoso,theyhavetheoption
ofholdingonthelinewhiletheansweringservicepatchesthemthroughtoacrisis
responderdirectly.
Our24hourcrisissupportcontinuestobeavailabletoallsurvivorsinourcommunityasneeded
throughouttheirhealingjourneys.
PROCEDURES
FirstResponsetoCrisisCallorOfficeWalkIn(RecentAssault)
1. Assessneedformedicalattention,immediatesafety
x Considerinvolvingemergencyservices
2. Addressbarrierstoservice
3. Discussconfidentiality
4. Provideemotionalsupport/crisisintervention
5. Exploreoptions/choicesthroughinformation(i.e.:SADVTC/SASC/WRPS)
6. Discussfinancialassistance(transportation/counseling/etc)
7. Providesafetyplanning(ifrequired)
8. Providereferralsandfollowup
9. Providepracticalassistancewhenrequired
Victim/WitnessAssistanceProgram
200FrederickStreet,3 Floor
Kitchener,Ontario
N2H6P1
5197413351
8:30a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday
rd
ACCESSIBILITY
x
Allfacilitiesareaccessible
ACCOUNTABILITY
AllVictim/WitnessAssistanceProgram(VWAP)staffareresponsibleforcompliancewithour
policyandproceduresmanual.Complaintsorconcernsmaybeaddressedbyspeakingwitha
43|Page
VictimWitnessServicesWorkerorthemanager.WeareaccountabletotheOntarioVictim
ServicesdivisionoftheMinistryoftheAttorneyGeneral.
COMMITMENTSANDSERVICES
TheVictim/WitnessAssistanceProgramisavoluntaryprogramofferedthroughOntarioVictim
ServiceswithintheMinistryoftheAttorneyGeneral.Theprogram’smandateistoprovide
information,assistanceandsupporttovictimsofcrimethroughoutthecriminalcourtprocessin
ordertoincreasetheirunderstandingof,andparticipationin,thecriminalcourtprocess.Oncea
criminalchargehasbeenlaid,servicesareofferedonaprioritybasistovictimsofsexualassault,
partnerassault/domesticviolence,hatecrimes,familiesofhomicidevictimsortrafficfatalities,
vulnerablevictimswithspecialneedsandelderlyvictims.
PROCEDURES
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Establishearlycontactwithvictim/witness,provideinformationonthecriminaljustice
processincludingcasespecificinformationsuchascourtdatesandexplanationofthe
purposeofthesecourtappearances.
Provideappropriatereferralsregardingsafetyplanning,counselingandsupportservices
inthecommunity
Providecopiesofcourtdocumentssuchasbailandprobationconditions
Advocateonthevictim/witness’sbehalfwiththeCrownAttorneyand/orpolicewith
regardtotheirconcernsaboutthecase,bailconditions/variations,orspecialneedsofthe
victim/witness.ThiscanincludeadvocatingwiththeCrownAttorneytogivehighpriority
inschedulingsexualassaultcasesinthecourtsandadvocatingforaCrownAttorneytobe
assignedattheearliestopportunity.
Seekvictiminputatvariousstages(bailvariationrequests,guiltypleasandsentencing),
conveyingthisinputtotheCrownAttorneyinwritingandinformingvictimsofthe
outcomes
Providecourtroomorientation,preparation,assistanceandemotionalsupporttoprepare
thevictim/witnesstogiveevidenceincourt.(Victim/WitnessAssistanceProgramstaffwill
informtheclientthatVWAPdoesnotdiscussevidenceandthattheyhaveanobligationto
discloseanyinformationsharedwiththemthatmayberelevanttotheprosecution).
VWAPstaffwillmakeeveryefforttoarrangeavictimmeetingwiththeCrownAttorney
assignedtothecaseandvictimswillbegiventheopportunitytoreviewtheirstatement
EnsurethatvictimsareawareoftheirrighttocompleteaVictimImpactStatementand
assistanceisprovidedifnecessary
MakereferraltotheCriminalInjuriesCompensationBoardwhenappropriateand
assistanceisprovidedifrequested
Arrangeforinterpreterservicesifneeded.
44|Page
IfVWAPisawareofanappeal,theywilladvisethevictimoftheappeal,includinganexplanation
oftheprocess,andreferthevictimtotheappropriateVWAPofficetoprovidefurther
information.
WaterlooRegionalPoliceService
www.wrps.on.ca
200MapleGroveRoad
Cambridge,Ontario
N3H5M1
Office:5196508500
24hoursaday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
Allfacilitiesareaccessible
ACCOUNTABILITY
AllmembersoftheWaterlooRegionalPoliceServiceareresponsibleforensuringthatproper
proceduresarecarriedout.Concernscanbeaddressedbyspeakingwiththeinvolved
investigator,theirimmediatesupervisorortheStaffSergeantinchargeoftheMajorCaseBranch.
ComplaintscanbedirectedtotheWaterlooRegionalPoliceServiceProfessionalStandardsBranch
ortheOfficeoftheIndependentPoliceReviewDirector.Asanorganizationweareaccountable
totheWaterlooRegionalPoliceServicesBoard.
COMMITMENTSANDSERVICES
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Conductcriminalinvestigationstothehigheststandard.
x Congruentwithcommunityvalues,sensitivitiesandexpectations,weaspiretodeliver
investigativeexcellencethroughongoingmemberdevelopment,innovativeuseof
resourcesandtechnology,andbuildingcommunityandorganizationalcapacity.
x Enhancingpartnerships,teamwork,victimsupport,andcommunityeducation.
PROCEDURES
1. Officersrespondingtoareportofsexualassaultwillensurethesafetyofthevictim.
Officerswillensurethevictimreceivesmedicalattentionifrequired.
2. Ifthecircumstanceswarrant,thevictimwillbeaskedtoattendtheWaterlooRegionSexual
Assault/DomesticViolenceTreatmentCentre.
3. Officerswilldopreliminaryinvestigationanddetermineifacrimesceneneedstobe
securedinordertopreserveevidence.
45|Page
4. InvestigatorsfromtheMajorCaseBranchconductinvestigationsofSexualAssault.
5. Detectivesconductthoroughinvestigationsanddetermineiftherearegroundstoproceed
withcriminalchargesagainstanaccused.
6. MajorCaseDetectiveswillassistandsupportvictimsofsexualassaultinasensitive
manner.
7. Investigatorswillkeepthevictiminformedinregardstothestatusoftheinvestigation.
8. Attheconclusionoftheinvestigationwherenochargesarelaid,theinvestigatorwill
informthevictimofthereasonforthedecision.
WaterlooRegionalPoliceService– VictimServicesUnit
www.wrps.on.ca/branchesdivisions/victimservices.htm
400QueenStreetSouth
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G1W7
(519)7437243
(519)5795116Ext.2228or2231
9:00a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
Wheelchairaccessible
Languageinterpretersareavailableifnecessary
ACCOUNTABILITY
AllmembersoftheWaterlooRegionalPoliceServiceareresponsibleforensuringthatproper
proceduresarecarriedout.Concernscanbeaddressedbyspeakingwiththeinvolvedworker,or
theirimmediatesupervisor,theStaffSergeantinchargeoftheDomesticViolenceUnit.Weare
accountabletotheWaterlooRegionalPoliceServicesBoard,andtheMinistryofCommunityand
SocialServices.
SERVICES
• Emotionalsupport(crisisandongoing)
•Safetyplanning
•Informationregardingpoliceprocedures
•Criminalcourtinformation/bailnotification
•Criminalcourtaccompaniment(trials)
•Referralstocommunityservices
46|Page
•Actingasaliaisonbetweentheclientandpolice,courtandotheragencies
•Endeavouringtohelpimprovevictimcooperationwithpoliceandcourts
COMMITMENTS
Sinceitsinceptionin1982,theVictimServicesUnit’sprincipalgoalhasbeenandcontinuestobe
toassistpeopleindealingwiththeconsequencesofvictimizationand/ortragiccircumstances
suchashomicides,domesticassaults,sexualassaults,criminalharassment,threats,andsudden
deaths.AscivilianswiththeWaterlooRegionalPoliceService,weareinauniquepositiontobe
abletoreachouttopeoplewhomayotherwisebeoverlooked.
WaterlooRegionSexualAssault/DomesticViolence
TreatmentCentre
www.keepingsafe.ca
foradministration&counselling
c/o400QueenSt.South
Kitchener,Ontario
N2G1W7
St.Mary’sGeneralHospital(forNorthWaterloo)
911Queen’sBoulevard
Kitchener,Ontario
N2M1B2
CambridgeMemorialHospital(forSouthWaterloo)
700CoronationDrive
Cambridge,Ontario
N1R3G2
5197496994
24houravailabilityfornurse/socialworkerteamresponseatSt.Mary’sandCambridgeMemorial
Hospitals
Administration:9:00a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday
ACCESSIBILITY
x
x
Wheelchairaccessible
LanguageinterpretersareavailablefreeofchargethroughtheKWMulticulturalCentre
47|Page
ACCOUNTABILITY
TheDirectorofourCentreisresponsibleforensuringthatproperproceduresarecarriedout.
ComplaintsorconcernscanbeaddresstotheDirectoroftheCentre.TheCentreisaprogram
administeredbySt.Mary’sGeneralHospitalinKitchener.Allteamsocialworkersaremembers
oftheOntarioCollegeofSocialWorkerandSocialServiceWorkers.
COMMITMENTS
Wewill,withinthemandateofourservice:
x Recognizetheimportanceofpromotingchoice,respectandempowermenttoenablethe
individualtomakehisorherownchoices
x Treatallindividualswithdignityandcompassion
x Accepttheindividual’sperceptionoftheassault
x Recognizetheimportanceofinvolvingfamilyand/orsupportsystemswhereconsentis
givenbytheindividual
SERVICES
x
x
x
Provideacuteandfollowupcareandcounsellingtowomen,childrenandmaleswhohave
beenrecentlysexuallyassaulted.
Providemedicalexamination,forensicevidencecollection,STI,HIVandpregnancy
treatment,crisisinterventionandreferraltocommunityresources
Provideshorttermcounselling,referralandconsultation,publiceducation,research,
advocacyandcommunitydevelopment.
PROCEDURES
1. Oncallnurseandsocialworkerteamarepagedwithconsentoftheindividual,bythe
emergencyroomstaff
2. Teamarriveswithin45minutesofpagefromtheemergencyroom(ER)staff
3. Assessneedsfortranslation,injuries,accessibility
4. TransfertoSA/DVTCsuiteinthehospital
5. DiscusswhatbringsthepersontotheCentre
6. Explainconfidentiality,andoptionsforcare:examination,STI&HIVtreatment,pregnancy
prevention,collectionofforensicevidence,emotionalcare,immediateandfollowup
counselling,involvementornotofpolice,referral
7. Explainreport(ifchildisvictimized)toFamily&Children’sServicesasperdutytoreport
8. Providefollowupplansandresourcesasneeded(i.e.:HIVPEPx28days,followup
counselling,communityresources,shelter,etc)
9. Providewritteninformationaboutservicesreceived,plansandresourcesavailable
48|Page
8SEXUALASSAULTRESPONSE
PROTOCOLTOOLKIT
A)CommunityPartnerConsultationForms ƒ AuthorizationforReleaseofInformation
ƒ ActionPlan
B)ConsenttoSexualActivityInformation
C)Safety,AwarenessandSelfCareTool
D)ServiceProviderSelfAssessmentChecklist
E)ResourceList
F)WhatNow?:WhattodoafteryouhavebeenSexuallyAssaulted
G)FlowChartoftheCriminalJusticeProcess
H)SexualAssaultSupportServicesforRuralAreas page50
page54
page58
page60
page62
page64
page67
page68
49|Page
A)COMMUNITYPARTNERCONSULTATIONFORMS AuthorizationforReleaseofInformation
PARTONE
I,
herebyauthorizethe toreleaseinformationtoconsultand/oradvocatewiththefollowingorganizationsorindividualsasisrelevant
tomyormydependent’scase.Iunderstandtherewillbeagroupconsultationtodooneormoreofthe
following:
x Effectivelycoordinateserviceprovisionbetweenagencies
x Identifyavailablesupportservices,createactionplansand/orplayanadvocacyrole
x Assessriskandprovidecollaborativesafetyplans
Igiveconsentforthefollowingserviceproviders/individualstoparticipateinthisCommunityPartner
Consultation:
1. NameofOrganization/Individual:
4. NameofOrganization/Individual:
_____________________________________
_______________________________________
2. NameofOrganization/Individual:
5. NameofOrganization/Individual:
_______________________________________
_____________________________________
6. NameofOrganization/Individual:
3. NameofOrganization/Individual:
_______________________________________
_____________________________________
Ihavebeenencouragedtoattendthisconsultation.IfIchoosenottoattend,IknowIcangivecomments
verballyorinwritingforconsiderationintheconsultation.
OnPartTwoofthisform,IhaveindicatedifthereareanyitemsthatIdonotwantdisclosed.This
informationwillonlybeseenbytheserviceproviderwhohascalledthisconsultation.
IunderstandthatthisreleaseformwillonlybeusedforthepurposesofthisCommunityPartner
Consultationanddirectfollowupactionsresultingfromit.Thisformdoesnotconstituteanongoingconsentto
releaseinformationbetweentheagencieslistedabove.ThisAuthorizationforReleaseofInformationformwill
expirenolaterthan90daysfromthedatewhichitwassignedandIcanchoosetorevokeitatanytime.
___________________________________ _______________________
Victim/Survivor’sSignature(ifapplicable)
Date
___________________________________ _______________________
LegalGuardian’sSignature(ifapplicable) Date
___________________________________ _______________________
ServiceProvider’sSignature
Date
50|Page
AuthorizationforReleaseofInformation
PARTTWO:
Idonotwantthefollowingtobedisclosed:
Ialsounderstandthatthefollowingexceptionstoconfidentialityexist:
ƒ WearerequiredtoreportcasesofsuspectedchildabuseorneglecttoFamilyandChildren’sServices.
ƒ IfaserviceproviderfeelsthatIamadangertomyselforothers,theappropriateauthoritieswillbe
notified.
ƒ Wemaynotbeabletomaintainconfidentialityincaseswhereaserviceproviderissubpoenaedto
testifyincourtortoprovidecasefiles.
ƒ Criminaljusticepartnersarenotabletokeepmattersconfidentialwhentheyarebeforethecourts.
___________________________________
Victim/Survivor’sSignature(ifapplicable) _______________________
Date
___________________________________
LegalGuardian’sSignature(ifapplicable)
___________________________________
ServiceProvider’sSignature _______________________
Date
_______________________
Date
51|Page
ActionPlan(Page1of2)
Dateofconsultation:____________________________________________________
Serviceprovider/individualchairing:_________________________________________
Nameofvictim/survivor(ifthishasbeendisclosed):____________________________
Individuals/partnerspresent:
Individualor
Action
Community Completed Target
Partner
Date
Responsible
Othernotes:
52|Page
ActionPlan(Page2of2)
Riskhasbeenassessed
SafetyPlanhasbeencompleted(if
applicable)
ActionPlanisinplacetosupportthe
victim/survivor
Supportsareinplacetosupportthe
victim/survivor’sfamily(ifapplicable)
Interventionsareinplacetoholdthe
perpetratoraccountable(ifapplicable)
Yes/
No
Ifnot,describewhynot.
Ifyes,describetherisklevel.
Yes/
No
Ifnot,describewhynot.
Ifyes,describethebasicplan.
Yes/
No
Howmany?Pleasedescribe.
Yes/
No
Howmany?Pleasedescribe?
Yes/
No
Howmany?Pleasedescribe?
*FormadaptedfromtheCommunityResponseProtocolforSexualAssaultandDomesticViolence(GuelphWellington
ActionCommitteeonSexualAssaultandDomesticViolence,2005)
53|Page
B)CONSENTTOSEXUALACTIVITYINFORMATION
LEGALDEFINTIONS
Section150.1ofthecriminalcode,asitpertainstochildrenandconsent,statesthefollowing:
(1)Subjecttosubsections(2)to(2.2),whenanaccusedischargedwithanoffenceundersection
151or152orsubsection153(1),160(3)or173(2)orischargedwithanoffenceundersection271,
272or273inrespectofacomplainantundertheageof16years,itisnotadefencethatthe
complainantconsentedtotheactivitythatformsthesubjectmatterofthecharge.
(2)Whenanaccusedischargedwithanoffenceundersection151or152,subsection173(2)or
section271inrespectofacomplainantwhois12yearsofageormorebutundertheageof14
years,itisadefencethatthecomplainantconsentedtotheactivitythatformsthesubjectmatterof
thechargeiftheaccused
(a)islessthantwoyearsolderthanthecomplainant;and
(b)isnotinapositionoftrustorauthoritytowardsthecomplainant,isnotapersonwith
whomthecomplainantisinarelationshipofdependencyandisnotinarelationshipwith
thecomplainantthatisexploitativeofthecomplainant.
(2.1)Whenanaccusedischargedwithanoffenceundersection151or152,subsection173(2)or
section271inrespectofacomplainantwhois14yearsofageormorebutundertheageof16
years,itisadefencethatthecomplainantconsentedtotheactivitythatformsthesubjectmatterof
thechargeif
(a)theaccused
(i)islessthanfiveyearsolderthanthecomplainant;and
(ii)isnotinapositionoftrustorauthoritytowardsthecomplainant,isnotapersonwith
whomthecomplainantisinarelationshipofdependencyandisnotinarelationshipwith
thecomplainantthatisexploitativeofthecomplainant;or
(b)theaccusedismarriedtothecomplainant.
(2.2)Whentheaccusedreferredtoinsubsection(2.1)isfiveormoreyearsolderthanthe
complainant,itisadefencethatthecomplainantconsentedtotheactivitythatformsthesubject
matterofthechargeif,onthedayonwhichthissubsectioncomesintoforce,
(a)theaccusedisthecommonlawpartnerofthecomplainant,orhasbeencohabitingwith
thecomplainantinaconjugalrelationshipforaperiodoflessthanoneyearandtheyhave
hadorareexpectingtohaveachildasaresultoftherelationship;and
(b)theaccusedisnotinapositionoftrustorauthoritytowardsthecomplainant,isnota
personwithwhomthecomplainantisinarelationshipofdependencyandisnotina
relationshipwiththecomplainantthatisexploitativeofthecomplainant.
54|Page
(3)Nopersonagedtwelveorthirteenyearsshallbetriedforanoffenceundersection151or152
orsubsection173(2)unlessthepersonisinapositionoftrustorauthoritytowardsthe
complainant,isapersonwithwhomthecomplainantisinarelationshipofdependencyorisina
relationshipwiththecomplainantthatisexploitativeofthecomplainant.
(4)Itisnotadefencetoachargeundersection151or152,subsection160(3)or173(2),orsection
271,272or273thattheaccusedbelievedthatthecomplainantwas16yearsofageormoreatthe
timetheoffenceisallegedtohavebeencommittedunlesstheaccusedtookallreasonablestepsto
ascertaintheageofthecomplainant.
(5)Itisnotadefencetoachargeundersection153,159,170,171or172orsubsection212(2)or(4)
thattheaccusedbelievedthatthecomplainantwaseighteenyearsofageormoreatthetimethe
offenceisallegedtohavebeencommittedunlesstheaccusedtookallreasonablestepstoascertain
theageofthecomplainant.
(6)Anaccusedcannotraiseamistakenbeliefintheageofthecomplainantinordertoinvokea
defenceundersubsection(2)or(2.1)unlesstheaccusedtookallreasonablestepstoascertainthe
ageofthecomplainant.
Acommonissueinsexualassaultcasesiswhetherornotthesexualactivitywasconsensual.In
legalterms,consentisthevoluntaryagreementofthecomplainanttohaveengagedinthesexual
activityinquestion.Accordingtos.273.1(1)oftheCriminalCode,consentforsexualassault
purposesisdefinedasthefollowing:
273.1(1)MeaningofconsentSubjecttosubsection(2)andsubsection265(3),consentmeans,
forthepurposesofsections271,272and273,thevoluntaryagreementofthecomplainantto
engageinthesexualactivityinquestion.
(2)Noconsentisobtained,forthepurposesofsections271,272and273,where:
(a)theagreementisexpressedbythewordsorconductofapersonotherthanthe
complainant;
(b)thecomplainantisincapableofconsentingtotheactivity;
(c)theaccusedcounselsorincitesthecomplainanttoengageintheactivitybyabusinga
positionoftrust,powerorauthority;
(d)thecomplainantexpresses,bywordsorconduct,alackofagreementtoengageinthe
activity;or
(e)thecomplainanthavingconsentedtoengageinthesexualactivity,expresses,bywords
orconduct,alackofagreementtocontinuetoengageintheactivity.
273.2Itisnotadefensetoachargeundersection271,272or273thattheaccusedbelievedthatthe
complainantconsentedtotheactivitythatformsthesubjectmatterofthecharge,where:
55|Page
(a)theaccused’sbeliefinconsentarosefromtheaccused’s:
(i)selfinducedintoxication,or
(ii)recklessnessorwillfulblindness;or
(b)theaccuseddidnottakereasonablesteps,inthecircumstancesknowntotheaccusedat
thetime,toascertainthatthecomplainantwasconsenting.
TOOLSTOAIDWITHUNDERSTANDINGCONSENTTOSEXUALACTIVITY
AgeofConsenttoSexualActivity
Theageofconsent,alsoknownastheageofprotection,referstotheageatwhichayoung
personcanlegallyconsenttosexualactivity.Allsexualactivitywithoutconsent,regardlessof
age,isacriminaloffence.Theageofconsentlawsapplytoallformsofsexualactivity,ranging
fromsexualtouching(e.g.,kissing)tosexualintercourse.
Canada’sAgeofConsenttoSexualActivity
Theageofconsentforsexualactivityis16years.However,theageofconsentis18yearswhere
thesexualactivityexploitstheyoungpersonwhenitinvolvesprostitution,pornographyor
occursinarelationshipofauthority,trustordependency(e.g.,withateacher,coachor
babysitter).Sexualactivitycanalsobeconsideredexploitativebasedonthenatureand
circumstancesoftherelationship,e.g.,theyoungpersonsage,theagedifferencebetweenthe
youngpersonandtheirpartner,howtherelationshipdeveloped(quickly,secretly,oroverthe
Internet)andhowthepartnermayhavecontrolledorinfluencedtheyoungperson.
ExceptionstoAgeofConsent
TheCriminalCodeprovidescloseinageorpeergroupexceptions.Forexample,a14or15
yearoldcanconsenttosexualactivitywithapartneraslongasthepartnerislessthanfiveyears
olderandthereisnorelationshipoftrust,authorityordependencyoranyotherexploitationof
theyoungperson.Thismeansthatifthepartneris5yearsorolderthanthe14or15yearold,any
sexualactivitywillbeconsideredacriminaloffenceunlessitoccursaftertheyaremarriedtoeach
other(inaccordancewiththesolemnizationofmarriagerequirementsthatareestablishedin
eachprovinceandterritory,governinghowandwhenamarriagecanbeperformed,includingthe
minimumageatwhichsomeonemaymarry).
Thereisalsoacloseinageexceptionfor12and13yearolds.A12or13yearoldcan
consenttosexualactivitywithanotheryoungpersonwhoislessthantwoyearsolderandwith
whomthereisnorelationshipoftrust,authorityordependencyorotherexploitationoftheyoung
person.
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AgeofConsentfor16and17YearOlds
TheCriminalCodeprotects16and17yearoldsagainstsexualexploitation,wherethesexual
activityoccurswithinarelationshipoftrust,authority,dependencyorwherethereisother
exploitation.Whetherarelationshipisconsideredtobeexploitingthe16or17yearoldwill
dependuponthenatureandcircumstancesoftherelationship,e.g.,theageoftheyoungperson,
theagedifferencebetweentheyoungpersonandtheirpartner,howtherelationshipdeveloped
andhowthepartnermayhavecontrolledorinfluencedtheyoungperson.Aswell,16and17year
oldscannotconsenttosexualactivitythatinvolvesprostitutionorpornography.
AdaptedfromCanada’sDepartmentofJusticewebsiteatwww.justice.gc.ca
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C)SAFETY,AWARENESSANDSELFCARETOOL
Name:_________________________________________ Date:______________________
Youhavesurvivedthisexperience–youhaveamazingstrength.
Sexualviolenceisneverthefaultofthevictim/survivor–itwasnotyourfault!
The following is a tool for talking about personal safety and risk, awareness of safety and risk, and
selfcare(howtotakecareofyourself).Thesequestionsaredesignedtohelpyouthinkaboutsafety
and risk in some of the areas of your life and talk about ways you can practice healthy selfcare in
waysthatarerightforyou.
Safetyissimplythestateofbeingsafe.Beingsafeistheconditionofbeingprotectedagainst
physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological or educational
harmasaresultofneglect,error,accidents,orintent.Safetycanalsobedefinedtobethecontrolof
recognizedhazardstoachieveanacceptablelevelofrisk.
Pleaseknowthatnoneofthesequestionsaremandatory.
Youdonothavetotalkaboutanythingyoudonotfeelcomfortablediscussing.
PhysicalSafety–MyPhysicalSelf
Somepeoplewhohaveexperiencedsexualassaultareatgreaterriskforengaginginbehavioursthat
arerisky,suchas:selfharm,eatingdisorders,substanceuse,beinginconflictwiththelaw,making
riskysexualchoices,andsuicidalideationandattempts.
Somequestionstothinkabout:
x Aremybasicneedsbeingmet,forexampleclothing,shelter,food&water?Ismyphysicalbody
safe?
x HaveIhadmymedicalneedsaddressed?
x Isthereanythinginthewayofmetakinggoodcareofmyself?AmIbeinggoodtomybody?
x AmIeatingwell?AmIgettingenoughsleep?Hasmyuseofsubstanceschanged?
x Aremyrelationshipswithotherssafe?AmIsafearoundtheotherpeopleinmylife?
x Wouldlegalaction,suchasarestrainingorderorpeacebond,behelpfulforme?
ThesearesomethingsIamalreadydoingtobeandfeelsafeandtakecareofmyself:
Totakecareofmybasicneeds: Toaddressmymedicalneeds:
Tokeepmyphysicalbodysafe: Inmyrelationshipswithothers: SomeotherthingsIamalreadydoingare:
ThesearesomethingsIcandoandwilldotobeandfeelsafeandtakecareofmyself:
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PhysicalSafety–Housing/Shelter
Somequestionstothinkabout:
x AmIsafewhereIlive?AmIsafewhereIwork?AmIsafewhereIgotoschool?
x Do I have any dependents – children, grandchildren, older adults, or persons with disabilities?
Aremydependentssafe?
x WhereamIunsafe?Whataretheriskstomysafety?
ThesearesomethingsIamalreadydoingtobeandfeelsafeandtakecareofmyself:
Athome:
Atwork:
Atschool:
SomeotherthingsIamalreadydoingare:
ThesearesomethingsIcandoandwilldotobeandfeelsafeandtakecareofmyself:
EmotionalSafety
IrealizethatIhavebeenthroughalotandImaybefeelingexhaustedandemotionallydrained.Some
questionstothinkabout:
x DoIfeelsafe?AretheretimesorsituationswhenIdonotfeelsafe?WhendoIfeelthesafest?
ThesearesomethingsIamalreadydoingtobeandfeelsafeandtakecareofmyself:
ThesearesomethingsIcandoandwilldotobeandfeelsafeandtakecareofmyself:
CopingStrategies
ThesearesomehealthythingsIamalreadydoingandthinkingtohelpmefeelbetterortodistract
myself:
ThesearesomehealthythingsIcandoandthinktohelpmefeelbetterortodistractmyself:
IfIfeelImightbeunsafeoratriskinanyway,Ican:
x Contactanemergencysupportservicesuchasthepoliceoracrisisline.
x Contactacounsellingorcommunitysupportservice.
x Talktomyfriend/relative,
,bycallingthem,goingtotheirhouseor
x Staywithmyfriend/relative, ,wholivesat
x Gototheshelterlocatedat
x OR
x OR
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D)SERVICEPROVIDERSELFASSESSMENTCHECKLIST
TheServiceProviderSelfAssessmentChecklistreflectsthegeneralinterventionprinciplesin
dealingwithavictim/survivorofsexualassault.Theunderlyinggoalofanyinterventionisto
empowerthevictim/survivorbyprovidingsupport,servicesandinformationwhichwillallow
themtomakechoicesforthemselves.
Itisimportanttobeawareofthediversityofvictim/survivorsandtheirexperiences,aswellasthe
rangeofreactionsthatcanfollowatraumaticexperience.Allinteractionsshouldbebasedonthe
principleslaidoutintheSexualAssaultResponseProtocolofWaterlooRegion.
Thischecklistdoesnotreflectthespecificrolesandproceduresofeachagency.Itspurposeisto
allowserviceproviderstoevaluateandreflectbackontheinteractionstheyhavewith
victim/survivorsandtoensureongoingcommitmenttotheprotocol.Itcanalsobeusedasa
trainingtool.
SelfAssessmentChecklist
Inassistingavictim/survivor,indicatewhichofthefollowingyoufeelyouachievedduringthe
intervention(s).
WhenIfirstmetthevictim/survivor,I:
‰
Introducedmyselfandmyrole
‰
Askedhows/hewouldprefertobeaddressed
‰
ExplainedthekindofassistanceIcouldattempttoprovide
‰
Assessedimmediateriskandsafetyissues(thisisongoingthroughouttheprocess)
‰
‰
Toldthevictim/survivorthats/hehadtheoptionofhavingsomeonepresentfor
support
Ensuredthatthevictim/survivorunderstoodher/hisoptionsandchoicesregarding
medicaltreatment,reportingtothepolice,shelterandcounsellingresources
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‰
‰
Explainedconfidentialityinaccordancewithmyagency’spolicystandards
Toldthevictim/survivorthelimitsofconfidentialityandthepossibilityofrecordsbeing
subpoenaedifthecasewenttocourt
‰
Activelylistenedtowhatthevictim/survivorhadtosay
‰
Treatedthevictim/survivorwithrespectanddignity
‰
Wasinclusiveinmyinteraction(tosex,genderidentity,race,age,ability,sexual
orientation,culture,socioeconomicandreligiousissues)
‰
Madethevictim/survivorascomfortableaspossible
‰
Explainedallprocedures/interventionsindetailbeforetheyweredone
‰
Letthevictim/survivorcontroltheinterventiontotheextentthatthiswaspossible
‰
‰
‰
‰
Offeredresourcesandnumberstothevictim/survivoranddiscussedhowtoaccess
service
Waswillingtoassistthevictim/survivorinobtainingservicestoanyagencythats/he
requested
Respondedinatimelyfashiontorequestforservice
Discussedsafetyplanningwiththevictim/survivor(consideringsuicidalityandself
harmbehaviours)
‰
Discussedhowtoprovideanyfeedbackwithregardstotheservicetheyreceived
‰
Toldthevictim/survivorhowtocontactmeinthefuture
*AdaptedfromtheHaltonCommunityResponseProtocolforSexualAssault&DomesticViolence,2002
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E)RESOURCELIST
62|Page
63|Page
F)WHATNOW?:WHATTODOAFTERYOUHAVEBEEN
SEXUALLYASSAULTED Youhavesurvivedthisexperience–youhaveamazingstrength.
Sexualviolenceisneverthefaultofthevictim/survivor–itwasnotyourfault!
WHATISSEXUALASSAULT?
SexualAssaultisanassaultcommittedincircumstancesofasexualnaturesuchthatthesexual
integrityofthevictimisviolated.Apersonwhodirectlyorindirectlyappliesforceintentionally
toanotherperson,orwhoattemptsorthreatenstodoso,hascommittedanassault.Anassaultof
thisnaturecanbecommittedbyanyone,includingaspouse.
SexualHarassmentisanybehaviour,comment,gesture,orcontactofasexualnaturethat
could be considered objectionable or offensive. It includes unreciprocated actions, remarks or
looks of a sexual nature which treat the recipient as a sexual object. It may threaten a person’s
safety and security or prejudice the recipient’s job security or promotion prospects while
creating a stressful working environment. It may also prejudice a user of services. Sexual
harassment is a form of sexual violence and is considered an offence under the Ontario
HumanRightsCode.
SexualViolencecantakemanyformsincludingdaterape,sexualharassmentandsexualassault.
It is first and foremost an act of violence, hatred and aggression characterized by an attempt to
threaten, intimidate, coerce or engage in any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. Sexual
violenceincludes,butisnotlimitedto,sexualassaultandothersexualoffencesincludedin
theCriminalCode.
Consent–Allsexualactivitywithoutconsent,regardlessofage,isacriminaloffence.Consentis
notgiveninsituationswhere:
(a) agreementisexpressedbysomeoneotherthanthepersonengagingintheactivity,
(b) thepersonisincapableofconsentingtotheactivity(forex:ifapersonisintoxicatedorhas
adevelopmentaldisabilitythathinderstheirabilitytoconsent),
(c) thereisarelationshipoftrust,authorityordependencybetweenthepartiesinvolved,or
(d) thepersonindicatesthattheydonotconsentor,havingalreadygivenconsent,withdraws
consent.
Theageofconsentforsexualactivityis16years.However,theageofconsentis18yearswhere
the sexual activity exploits the young person – when it involves prostitution, pornography or
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occurs in a relationship of authority, trust or dependency (e.g., with a teacher, coach or
babysitter).ExceptionstotheAgeofConsentaredependentuponthenatureandcircumstances
oftherelationship,e.g.,theageoftheyoungperson,theagedifferencebetweentheyoungperson
and their partner, how the relationship developed and how the partner may have controlled or
influencedtheyoungperson.
WHATTOEXPECT
Peoplewhohaveexperiencedsexualviolencerespondinavarietyofways.Everyonereacts
differently.Itisnormaltohaveall,someornoneoftheseresponses:
Difficultywithintimacy,Changes
insexualactivity,
Changesininterestinsex,
Questioningofsexualorientation,
Selfblame,Guilt,
Shame,Embarrassment,
Shock,Numbness,Disbelief,
Denial,
Disgust,Revulsion,
Confusion,Disorientation,
Memoryloss,Dissociation(lossof
touchwithpresentreality&time),
Recurringthoughtsofthe
abuse,Fear,Insecurity,
Anxiety,Panic,
Anger,Rage,Vengefulness,
Sadness,Grief,Depression,
Loneliness,Isolation,
Feelingsofpowerlessness,
Helplessness,
Lossofcontrol,
Lossoftrustinself&others,
Betrayal,
Pain,Headaches,
Bodymemories,
Physicalsensations,
Generalhealthcomplaints,
Generalbodypains,
Lossofappetite,Overeating,
Nausea,Vomiting,Gagging,
Fainting,Dizziness,Fatigue,
Nightmares,
Sleepproblems,STIs
WHATTODONEXT
Remember–youarenotalone!
Whetheryouhaveexperiencedsexualviolencerecentlyorinthepast,herearesomethingsyou
canchoosetodotoaccessimmediateandlongtermsupports:
x Talk(tofriends,family,counsellors,supportgroups,othersupportpeople)
x Takecareofyourself(eatingwell,sleepingwell,exercising)
x Seekmedicalcare
x Reporttoauthorities
x Findsafeandhealthywaystoexpressyourself(songs,poetry,journaling,art,dance,drama,
etc)
x Seekouthobbiesandrecreationalactivities(reading,cooking,TV,movies,music,sports,
etc)
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SEEKINGSUPPORT
Ifyouchoosetoseeksupport,thereareseveraloptionsopentoyou:
x Medical–anexaminationandtreatmentforanyphysicalinjury,treatmentforsexually
transmittedinfections(STIs),and/oranassessmentandpreventionofpregnancy;
x Legal–collectionanddocumentationofforensicevidence,policeinvolvement,and/orlegal
assistance;
x Supportive–counselling,accesstoavarietyofothersupportiveservicesinthecommunity.
Itisyourrighttoaskquestionsregardingyouroptionsandtheservicesyouchoose.
Ifyouwantmoreinformation,alistofimportantphonenumbersandwebsiteswillbe
providedtoyou.
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H)SEXUALASSAULTSUPPORTSERVICESFORRURALAREAS
WilmotFamilyResourceCentre
www.wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.ca
Unit1175WaterlooSt.
NewHamburg,Ontario
N3A1S3
Phone:(519)6622731
Fax:(519)6622158
9:00a.m.to4:30p.m.,MondaytoThursday(Openuntil6:00p.m.thefirstThursdayofeach
month)
9:00a.m.to12:00noon,Friday
WoolwichCommunityServices
www.woolwichcommunityservices.com
73ArthurStreetSouth
Elmira,Ontario
N3B2M8
Phone:(519)6695139
Fax:(519)6694210
9:00a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday
WoolwichCounsellingCentre
www.woolwichcounselling.org
65MemorialAvenue
Elmira,Ontario
N3B2R9
Phone:(519)6698651
Fax:(519)6690980
9:00a.m.to5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday
68|Page
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CentreforResearch&EducationonViolenceagainstWomenandChildren.(2008).Survivingthe
systemhandbook.London,ON:author.
CommunityAdvocatesforSexuallyAbusedMen.(2012).Reactionsfollowingsexualviolence
(Brochure).Retrievedfrom:http://www.cmhagrb.on.ca/casam/Home.html
CommunityJusticeInitiatives.SurvivorProgramSafetyPlan.
DepartmentofJusticeCanada.(2012).Criminalcode.Retrievedfrom:http://laws
lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C46/
GovernmentofOntario.(2010).Reportingchildabuseandneglect:It’syourduty.Retrievedfrom:
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/documents/topics/
childrensaid/Reportingchildabuseandneglect.pdf
GovernmentofOntario.(2011).Changingattitudes,changinglives:Ontario’ssexualviolenceaction
plan.Retrievedfrom:http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/owd_new/
english/resources/publications/svap2011.pdf
GreyBruceDomesticViolenceCoordinatingCommittee.(2006).Communityresponseprotocolfor
sexualassaultanddomesticviolence.Retrievedfrom:http://www.endabusenow.ca/
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GuelphWellingtonActionCommitteeonSexualAssaultandDomesticViolence.(2010).Guelph
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http://www.theactioncommittee.ca/useredits/File/DVSAprotocoljanuary2010.pdf
KingstonandFrontenacAntiViolenceCoordinatingTeam.(2008).Sexualassaultprotocolforthe
CityofKingstonandFrontenacCounty.Retrievedfrom:http://kfacc.org/uploads/
Sexual%20Assault%20Protocol.pdf
NationalNetworktoEndDomesticViolence.(2006).ASampleSafetyPlanningTool.Retrieved
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OttawaSexualAssaultProtocolCommittee.(2006).TheOttawasexualassaultprotocol.Retrieved
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ThePeelCommitteeAgainstWomanAbuse.(2010).CreatingaSafetyPlan(5thEd).Retrieved
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SarniaLambtonSexualAssaultProtocolSubCommittee.(2006).Sexualassaultemergencyresponse
protocolSarniaLambton.Retrievedfrom:
http://www.sexualassaultsarnia.on.ca/EmergencyResponseProtocol2006.pdf
SexualandWifeAssaultProject.(2002).HaltonCommunityResponseProtocols
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SmithersCommunityCoordinationforWomen’sSafety.(2009).Smithersandareasexualassault
protocol.Retrievedfrom:http://www.domesticpeace.ca/documents/SexualAssaultProtocol
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