How Survivors can Keep Moving Forward
Both men and women may be survivors of sexual assault or abuse. Oftentimes, the most emotionally painful aspect of sexual abuse is the personal betrayal of a trusted figure. If you or someone you know has suffered or continues to suffer sexual assault or abuse of any kind, your first consideration, and ours, is the survivor’s physical and emotional well-being.
The first priority should be finding safe haven from the situation. Whether seeking refuge with family or friends or using the help of a domestic violence organization, the survivor needs a safe environment. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger please consider these resources:
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic – a free counselling, legal, interpretation, information and referral service for female-identified survivors of violence in Toronto. The Clinic may assist in safety planning if you are at risk.
The London Abused Women’s Centre – offers trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and support in a safe, non-crisis, non-residential setting to women and girls over the age of 12 who have been abused by an intimate partner, sexually harassed, and/or prostituted or sex trafficked.
Ontario Victim Services – works to ensure that victims of crime are treated with respect and receive the information and services they need.
Upon suffering sexual assault or abuse, there are several steps survivors should take as soon as possible:
If the assault or abuse happened at home or by a family member, or you feel that there is a significant risk of repeated assault or abuse, get to a safe place as soon as possible, and consider reporting it to the police.
If the assault or abuse happened at your workplace, report it to a superior or the Human Resources department, and document that you have reported it and what happened.
Seek out therapy or counselling from a professional skilled in dealing with trauma.
Gather as much information as possible and document what happened (who, what, when, where, how often, any witnesses, etc.)
If you require medical attention, gather all medical documentation regarding any injuries caused, including all medical bills and related expenses.
Document how the lives of yourself and/or your family have been impacted by the sexual assault or abuse. In addition to the emotional and psychological impacts, this includes additional expenses, no matter how small (e.g. parking when you see your therapist).
These steps are not prerequisites to contacting a lawyer.
We Help Survivors Get Justice
You have questions. We have answers. Rest assured that you don’t have to come to us, we’ll come to you.
