Women's College Hospital does not have an Emergency Department. If you require acute/emergency care or assessment by a physician, please visit one of our 7 mobile sites(insert link to sites). Once you have arrived and received medical clearance, our team will be contacted to arrange your further care.
The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre (SA/DVCC) is a comprehensive service that assists women, men, and trans people, over the age of 14, who are victims/survivors of sexual assault and domestic/intimate partner violence. For sexual assault pertaining to children or youth under 14, please contact the Suspected Child Abuse and NEglect (SCAN) program at 416-813-6275
We define "sexual assault" and "domestic violence" as follows:
- Sexual Assault:
Any form of sexual activity with another person without her/his consent. It includes forced kissing, grabbing, fondling and attempted or completed rape. - Domestic Violence:
Verbal or physical acts used to control a person by creating fear, isolation and entrapment. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial. Abuse can occur in intimate relationships regardless of gender and/or sexual identities.
Our team of RN's are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment necessary.
Our team also supports various different Toronto emergency departments (ED). View "partner locations" for more information.
For staff use: click here to access the SA/DVCC portal.
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Acute Care
All services are provided by registered nurses. The services include, but are not limited to:
- Crisis support
- Assessment and documentation of injuries/assault history
- Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) for storage at WCH
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
- Emergency contraceptive options
- Testing for drugs that may have been used to commit the assault
- Assessment of risk and safety planning
- Referral to community resources
If you choose to involve the police:
We will carefully collect and document the necessary evidence for release and analysis
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Follow-Up
After the initial visit to the hospital, a nurse will contact you to:
- Discuss your emotional and physical well-being following the assault
- Encourage follow-up care with us or your healthcare provider
- Discuss any concerns with the care provided during the initial visit
- Provide support and referrals to resources you may need
You can choose to return to us for:
- Ongoing support and referrals
- Pregnancy testing
- STI testing and treatment
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Resources
Related links:
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
- Assaulted Women's Helpline
- METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children)
- Sexual Assault Care and Treatment Centres in Ontario
- SCAN Program at The Hospital for Sick Children
You may also find the following resources of interest:
Online Care Package
Access our online care package for additional self-care resources on:
- Important Numbers (24-hour Access and Resources)
- Sexual Violence
- Possible Impacts of Sexual Violence
- Self Care
- Relaxation Techniques
- Coping with Flashbacks, Intense Anxiety and/or Panic Through Grounding
- Sleep Disturbances and Nightmares
- A Word to Friends and Families
