Medical Care Following Sexual Assault

Your Health is Important

We encourage survivors to receive medical attention soon after a sexual assault. Even if there are no visible signs of injury, you may have internal damage, been exposed to sexually transmitted infections, and/or been impregnated. Please note that receiving medical care is a separate and confidential process from reporting to police.

You can receive medical care at a doctor’s office, a health clinic, or from the 24/7 Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence (SA/DV) Treatment Program accessed through the Emergency Department at the Kingston General Hospital (76 Stuart Street). Ask for the SA/DV nurse on call.

The SA/DV Treatment Program can be contacted at 613-549-6666 ext. 4880.

If you want support before going or an accompaniment to the hospital, call our 24 Hour Crisis and Support Line.

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Program

The SA/DV Treatment Program offers comprehensive care, addressing emergency medical, forensic, emotional, and social needs, for survivors of recent sexual or domestic violence assault (occurring within 7 days if you are 16 years of age or older and no time frame limitations if you are under 16 years of age).

Sexual Assault Evidence Kit

While receiving medical care from the SA/DV Treatment Program, you may choose to undergo a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit, a medical exam that collects evidence of the sexual assault, which may be used in a police investigation. The kit can be stored in confidence at the hospital for up to six months (after which it will be destroyed), as the survivor decides whether or not to report the assault and release the kit.

If you are thinking about undergoing a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit, take note that:

• The sexual assault must have happened within 7 days (please note that you are still encouraged to present to the SA/DV Program as soon as possible inorder to take the best advantage of health related care and forensic evidence collection available).
• You should avoid, if possible - showering or bathing, changing your clothes, eating or drinking, and going to the bathroom - as these activities limit the amount of evidence that can be collected.