By Rosalind Russell – The East Algoma OPP says vital victim services programming is now available to survivors of sexual violence in the East Algoma area.
According to the release, the programming is a collaboration between the OPP, the North Shore Health Network, the Town of Blind River, Mississauga First Nation, and the Huron Shores Family Health Team.
Officials say it means sexual assault evidence kit services, along with associated medical and support services, area now available in East Algoma communities, eliminating the need for survivors to travel.
The program will be provided out of the Blind River site of the North Shore Health Network.
The OPP says survivors of sexual violence can attend the North Shore Health Network’s Blind River site and expect:
Care provided with discretion, dignity, respect, and without judgement
The option to receive care without automatically involving police
Survivors remain in control of whether police are contacted
Access to specially trained staff, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round
Full control and choice throughout the sexual assault evidence kit process
Access to new, comfortable clothing at no cost if personal items are collected as evidence
Timely access to medications that may help prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
Services provided at no cost to survivors aged 16 and older
The option to be connected with local support services and resources within the community
If you have experienced sexual assault, support is available. For more information about services, please contact the North Shore Health Network at 705 356 2265 or 1 888 425 0321.
Photo provided by Jasmin Chew – unsplash.com
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