Help available for victims of sexual assault
A sexual assault is a traumatic and devastating experience that can result in physical, mental and emotional injuries. Sadly sexual violence continues to occur every day in communities across Nova Scotia. It is important that anyone who has been sexually assaulted knows that there is a caring network of support and services available across the province, and that help is always available.
While there has been much discussion about the availability of specialized sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) in communities, any person who has been sexually assaulted can and should receive care at any emergency department in the province. Care may be provided by a physician or sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) on site or through referral to another location where SANE is available.
A SANE is a registered nurse who has completed specialized education and clinical preparation to provide care, gather forensic evidence and provide expert testimony in court, and offer supportive follow up after a sexual assault occurs. Services are offered through contracted relationships with community based organizations.
SANE programs are currently located in Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Antigonish, New Glasgow, Port Hawkesbury-area, Yarmouth and, as of Monday, Sydney. Plans are also underway to expand SANE to the Annapolis Valley and South Shore – where it will replace a volunteer-based sexual assault response nursing service currently in place. Expansion of SANE has been supported by Nova Scotia’s Sexual Violence Strategy. We are now looking at how services could be expanded to other areas of the province, including Truro.
Access to SANE services can be coordinated through any emergency department in Nova Scotia, by calling the police or RCMP, or directly through a 24/7 response line. Please visit http:// www.nshealth.ca/sane for more information.
There are also many communitybased supports and services available. If you or a loved one experiences sexual violence, please do not hesitate to seek help.
Tanya Penney
Senior director,
Emergency Program of Care
Nova Scotia Health Authority Susan Wilson
Provincial Coordinator,
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program Nova Scotia Health Authority