Sexual Abuse/Assault Prevention Month
One in three Canadian women and one in eight Canadian men experience sexual violence. Many victims of sexual assault or domestic violence don’t report it. In fact, sexual assaults are reported around 80% less often than other forms of violent crimes. For those that make the decision to seek help or make a report, the Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/ Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (WRSADVTC) is there to provide support and access to free resources.
The (WRSADVTC) responds to calls from Emergency Departments (ED) at both St. Mary’s and Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Both hospitals have created separate treatment rooms in the ED that allow for privacy and confidentiality for those who are seeking help. A response from the treatment centre only occurs once consent is provided by the client, and all records are separate from any digital health records at the hospital.
This treatment centre is one of 37 across the province that provides these types of supports and resources to the community, responding to calls 24/7. However, the Waterloo Region Treatment Centre is unique in that social workers respond with a forensic nurse to ensure that, in the moment, whatever resources an individual may need are right there. This entire team is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy trained, trauma informed and are able to provide whatever level of support each individual needs.
The team works with individuals from all walks of life who are looking for support from domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. A report to the police is not required for individuals to seek support or access resources from the centre.
Support doesn’t just stop after the initial ED visit, in fact, an ED visit isn’t even required to access services. WRSADVTC partners with over 12 agencies that work collaboratively to provide support to individuals who are victims of violence including:
- Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
- Family and Children’s Services Waterloo Region
- Victim Services of Waterloo Region
- Waterloo Region Police
- Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
- Carizon
- The Attorney General Office
“The collaboration with external services is crucial to providing robust and complete care to these individuals,” says Julia, Director, WRSADVTC. “Whether an individual is looking for a one-time support or long-term support, we are able to connect them with what they need, when they need it.”
Individuals can be connected with these resources at the time of seeking help in an ED, or by calling the centre at any time. In addition to the essential collaboration with resources across the region, the work that the ED staff at both hospitals does to identify and connect individuals with the centre is important.
“The collaboration with the ED staff is important in making that first connection, and the response from them is crucial in ensuring that individuals understand and have access to resources they may need,” says Julia. “They help make that initial contact with the support team at the centre, and we can’t thank them enough for their support and commitment to care. The teams are truly amazing, and we see them as an extension of our team in providing exceptional, equitable care.”
Thank you to the entire team at Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre for the work that you do in providing a crucial resource for our community. You are truly making a difference in the lives of our staff, patients, and residents of Waterloo Region.
WRSADVTC will celebrate their 30th anniversary this September - a huge accomplishment and milestone that measures the significant impact the team has within our community.
If you, or anyone you know, is in need of support due to domestic violence or sexual assault, reach out to the treatment centre by calling 519-749-6994.