
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence
The Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre for Simcoe County and Muskoka is located at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. The Treatment Centre provides emergency medical care and treatment options to victims of sexual and intimate partner violence. Police involvement is not required to access the service.
Regional Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of Simcoe and Muskoka
In a quiet, private and safe place at OSMH, nurses, physicians provide care and treatment options for victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence (domestic violence), and suspected child abuse and neglect. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual activity including fondling, touching and/or penetration without consent. Consent is a voluntary agreement between two adults to engage in sexual activity. Someone who is under the influence of a medication, drugs and/or alcohol is considered impaired and cannot give consent. Any individual can be sexually assaulted regardless of gender identity. It is a serious crime whether committed by a stranger, friend, family member or partner. 75% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows and trusts.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate Partner Violence (also sometimes referred to as Domestic Violence) is a crime. It results from an imbalance of power and control over one’s partner. This type of abuse can come in many forms: physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, financial, material, spiritual, or verbal threats. 55% of reported intimate violence incidents are committed by a dating partner. Physical assault (77%) is the most common offence experienced by victims/survivors of police-reported violence; followed by uttering threats and criminal harassment”
At OSMH your choices are respected. You may not have the time right now to come to the domestic assault treatment centre. You might need child-care or have work obligations. Please remember that you can come to our treatment centre within three to four days of an assault by your current or past partner.
What to Expect
- Upon your arrival to the emergency department, the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) will meet you in the emergency room and bring you to a private treatment room.
- The involvement of the police is your decision and will be respected by our staff. All of our services can be accessed without police involvement.
- Once you are medically cleared, the SANE will accompany you to the treatment room and proceed with the services offered by the clinic. The choice of services offered may include:
- Upon consent and if the assault occurred within the past 12 days, collection and recording of physical evidence for completion of a forensic evidence kit, which may be used in legal proceedings.
- Information, testing, prophylactic antibiotics to prevent sexually transmitted infections
- Prophylactic antiviral medications to prevent HIV
- The emergency contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy
- Crisis intervention and support
- Information and referral to community resources
- Arranging follow-up medical care and counselling with our center
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the process take?
The entire process with the SADV nurse can be lengthy but does vary on average between 2 to 4 hours.
- Where in the hospital do I go?
Clients are to go to the emergency department entrance, wait to be triaged, the SADV nurse will be notified of their arrival, the SADV nurse will then come get the client from the waiting room.
- Do I need to tell the police before I come to the hospital?
You do not need to notify the police to access our services. Everything we offer is choice-based and confidential.
- Do I need to be a Canadian citizen and have an Ontario Health Card?
No, we can assist all individuals despite citizenship.
- What can I do if transportation to the clinic is a barrier?
Please connect with the SADV Nurse on-call to discuss options.
Call for Support
Regional Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of Simcoe and Muskoka
170 Colborne Street West
Orillia, ON L3V 2Z3
Important Resources
Regional Centre for Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (RCSCAN)
The Regional Centre for Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program has specialized nurses, sensitive to your needs, who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer prompt, confidential, and individualized care and treatment. We also offer the following emergency services and choices, 24 hours a day, for survivors of recent domestic assault:
- A safe, quiet and private place
- Assessment and care and treatment of injuries (x-rays, ice pack, cast, stitches) for emergent needs
- Medical clinic at the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre for non-urgent physical needs.
- Documentation and photography of injuries
- Referral to community services who can provide support
- Referral to RCSCAN Social Work for therapy/counselling for ages 4-18
- A follow-up phone call and visit within three days
Violence is never okay. No one, child or adult, has the right to cause a child physical or emotional pain. Getting the right kind of help can provide children with the support they need to help the abuse stop.
If you are concerned about a child/youth who is experiencing harm please contact Family Connexions of Simcoe Muskoka 1-800-461-4236 or Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services
Call for Support
Note to Service Providers
Please call prior to coming to the hospital and you will be connected to the specialized nurse on call who will help you make a plan to arrive at the hospital at a time that addresses the needs of the child in the most child friendly and appropriate manner so that assessment and treatment services can be as child centered as possible.
Resources for Parents/Caregivers
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Includes resources for parents, children and youth including internet safety.
- Survivors Resources – Safeguarding Your Child
- Child Sexual Abuse – It Is Your Business
- Child and Youth Advocacy Centre Simcoe Muskoka
- Simcoe County Crisis Line T: 1 (888) 893-8333
- Muskoka Crisis Line T: 1 (800) 461-2929
- Athena’s Sexual Assault Counselling & Advocacy Centre T: (705) 737-2008 Toll-free: 1-800-987-0799
- Green Haven Shelter T: (705) 327-7319
- Colibri – Centre des femmes francophones du comté de Simcoe 1-877-797-2060
- Victim Services
- Orillia: 705-325-5578
- Muskoka: 1-844-762-9945
- Simcoe County: 705-725-7025 ext. 2120
- Victim Witness Assistance Program:
- Simcoe: 705-739-6560
- Muskoka: 705-645-3516
- Family Connexions Simcoe Muskoka (Children’s Aid Society) 1 (800) 461-4236
- DBCFS – Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services
- Gilbert Centre – 705-722-7668
- Internet Child Exploitation
- Human Trafficking Supports