Our team provides care that is guided by you. If you wish to receive medical treatment from our program, we encourage you to present to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre Emergency Department (ED) as soon as possible. Any injuries requiring medical attention will be treated by the ED staff.

Some treatment options are available within 12 days of the assault. You can choose any or all of the following:

• Examination, assessment, treatment, and documentation of injuries.
• Pregnancy testing and pregnancy prevention (e.g., morning after pill).
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, Hepatitis B, etc.).
• Risk assessment and safety planning.
• Referral to community agencies for support.
• Follow-up care that checks on your well-being, gives results of any test or repeat tests if needed, follow-up on medications.

If you are thinking about involving the police, forensic evidence can be collected. This may include the following:

Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK)

This refers to the collection of evidence from your body and the clothing worn during or immediately after the assault. Evidence can only be collected if the assault occurred within the last 12 days.

If possible, it is recommended that you avoid showering, bathing, or changing clothes, as this could result in the loss of crucial evidence. If you must change your clothing, please bring in the items worn during and immediately after the assault, as they may be collected for evidence. 

Photography

Photographs and body diagrams may be used to document any injuries and areas of pain. Photographs can be taken at any time after the assault and may be repeated 72 hours later, as injuries can evolve over time

Evidence can be collected without police involvement while you wait to decide your next steps. Evidence collected can be held at our facility for 12 months.

If the assault or abuse occurred more than 12 days ago, you can contact our centre during daytime hours to speak with one of our nurses and discuss your option. 

These options include:

• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Connections to community services and counselling

You still have the option to report the incident to police even if the assault/abuse happened more than 12 days ago.

Our team is trained to handle assault cases involving paediatric patients and works closely with a paediatrician. The plan of care will be determined based on the timing of the assault and the information gathered. We are required by law to report all suspected child abuse to child protective services.

If sexual abuse or any form of abuse is suspected, please go to the nearest Emergency Department for immediate care.

Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre Pamphlets

General Information (CS-PTED-SADVTC-01)

Sexual Assault Information (CS-PTED-SADVTC-03)

Domestic Violence Be prepared “Just in Case” (CS-PTED-SADVTC-06)

Learn more about Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence services across Ontario.

Thunder Bay Police: 911 or non- urgent line 807-684-1200

Crisis Response Services: 807-346-8282 or 1-888-269-3100

Assaulted Women’s Help Line: 1-866-863-0511

Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051

Faye Peterson House: 807-345-0450 or 1-800-465-6971

Beendigen: 807-346-4357

Thunder Bay Counselling Centre: 807-684-1880

Faye Peterson House

Beendigen

Kids Help Phone

Human Trafficking Hot Line

Ontario Native Women’s Association

Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre

Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services

Victim Witness Assistance Program