Sexual Assault

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It can include kissing, fondling, grabbing or forced sexual intercourse. Women are most often sexually assaulted by men they know.

Most often, females are the victims of sexual assault, however, males can also be the victims of this crime. The same laws and rules apply to ALL people about sexual assault.

A new law on sexual abuse for young people came into effect on January 1st, 1988. This new law made it a crime to touch a young person for a sexual purpose or to invite a young person to touch another person for a sexual purpose.

What to do?

Remember you are not to blame.

You probably are feeling scared, shocked, angry, ashamed or confused, or you may feel all of them at once. All of these reactions are normal. Your options for getting help might be to call the police (911), go to a hospital emergency ward, or you may want to call a crisis line for support and one-to-one counselling - all of these services are available day or night.

Signs that someone has been sexually abused:

 

Behavioral Indicators

 

Younger Children

• nightmares, bedwetting, sudden fear of the dark
• being uncomfortable, fearful and distant with someone that was formerly liked and trusted
• becoming "clingy" and acting like a little child again
• expressing sexual knowledge that is not usual for the child's age
• changes in behavior (becoming anxious and fearful when the child is usually easy going and friendly)

 

Older Children

• difficulties as school - sudden drop in grades
• running away from home
• setting fires, stealing (delinquent behavior)
• self mutilation
• suicide attempts
• exhibiting self-destructive behaviour such as hurting others, hurting themself or taking drugs or alcohol

 

Physical Indicators

• constant physical complaints eg. sore stomach, sore throat
• torn, stained or bloody underwear
• missing clothing
• irritations, bruising or bleeding in the genital or anal area
• sudden weight gain or loss
• complaints of pain or itching in the genital and/or anal areas
• sexually transmitted diseases
• pregnancy
• bruises on breast, buttocks, thighs
• lack of care for physical appearance

Other forms of Sexual Abuse:

Sexual Interference - it is a crime for anyone to touch a young person under 14 for a sexual purpose.

Invitation to sexual touching - it is a crime to encourage a child under 14 to touch his or her own body or someone else's body for sexual purpose.

Sexual Exploitation - children have special relationships with some people like parents, teachers, coachs, and babysitters. Children are taught to trust them and to respect their authority. Often, children are dependent on these people for support and shelter.

Children under 12

Children under 12 can never give legal consent to sexual activity.

 

Youths 12 to 14

In general, children 12 or more but under 14 are not considered old enough to consent to sexual activity. But there is an exception. No crime is committed if two young people consent to sexual activity and the older teenager is still under 16. As well, there must be less than two years' age difference between the two.

Even if a young person in this age group consents to sexual activity with someone less than two years older, the consent is not legal if one of them is in a position of trust or authority over the other -- for example a babysitter -- or if a relationship of dependency exists, such as a young person looking after a disabled teenager.

 

Youths 14 to 18

Young people 14 or more but under 18 can legally consent to sexual activity. However, the consent is not legal and the crime of sexual exploitation occurs if one of those involved is in a position of trust or authority over the other, or is a person upon whom the other is dependent.

 

 

How to Handle Disclosures

 

When a child, youth or adult decides to get help by telling someone about the abuse it is called a disclosure.

 

This is a very frightening but courageous first step. By telling, they stop the secret.

 

What to do you say to someone who is telling you about his/her own abuse or that of a friend? What should you do? What should you NOT do?

 

Do:

 

Listen: Take the time to hear what they have to say, no matter how busy you are.

Believe: tell them you believe them, and you will do whatever you can to get them help.

Reassure: Say that you are sorry this happened and tell them "it is not your fault."

Report: Phone the correct authorities and say you want to make a report. In BC -

Ministry of Social Services - Dial 0, ask for Zenith 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.

Take Care of Yourself: It is difficult to listen to a disclosure and make a report.

 

Do not:

React with shock, horror or disbelief - even though you might feel like it.

Promise to keep it a secret - you are legally obligated to report if you have reasonable

grounds to believe that someone is in need of protection

Say that "everything will be fine now" - it may not be fine for some time. There are often

many problems to resolve.

Assume that the person hates the abuser - there may be very conflicting feelings

especially if the offender is a parent or relative.

Put the responsibility for reporting onto someone else - they may not do it.

"interview" the person - the matter may go to court, so it is important that questioning be done by social workers, police and/or lawyers who are familiar with the law

 

What questions will you be asked if you report?

1. The person's name, address, age, sex, and if known, birthdate.

2. Parent's/guardian's names and addresses.

3. The name and address of the alleged offender.

4. Details of the incident(s) that prompted your report.

5. Your name and address (optional). The social worker may ask for additional information depending on the circumstances. Often the alleged offender will ask or try to guess who made the report. The Ministry of Social Services will not tell the alleged offender or confirm the name of the person who made the report. You may, however, be called as a witness.

6. "The complainant's identity may be disclosed to the police if it is relevant to a criminal investigation."

 

What happens when a report is made?

When a report is received, the social worker will decide if an investigation is needed.

 

If the victim is a child or youth and they are "at risk" an investigation is started as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours).

 

An experienced Ministry Social Worker will conduct the interview of persons involved. A police officer may attend their initial interview.

 

The primary concern is the safety of the child, youth or adult victim.

 

For a child, the social worker may conclude:

a) The child is not in need of protection and the investigation goes no further.

b) The family may need assistance in some form.

c) There is reason for further investigation.

d) The child may be able to stay within the family if supervision is provided.

e) The child is in need of protection and may be removed (apprehended).

 

 

 

Pearl's Place - Transition House

892-5711

hours - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

 

Pearl's Place provides temporary housing in a safe and secure environment, providing the necessities for women and children who are leaving an abusive relationship.

 

There is no charge for the service, and time spent in the Transition House is usually less than a month. Staff and Volunteers can provide support in getting financial, medical or legal help and counselling.

 

They offer a 24 hour confidential telephone service for information, individual support and referral.

 

 

Victim Assistance

898-1572

 

 

Howe Sound Women's Centre

(non-emergency)

892-5748

 

 

Social Services - Squamish

892-5201

emergency after 4:30 pm - 1-800-663-9122

 

 

Rape Crisis Centre

Women Against Violence Against Women

phone #604-255-6344

hours - 24 hours a day

 

This is a confidential phone service which offers information, support, counselling and referrals to victims of rape or sexual violence.

 

 

Rape Relief & Women's Shelter

phone #604-872-8212

hours - 24 hours a day

 

This crisis line offers emotional support, information and education as well as emergency shelter for women and children.

 

 

Sexual Assault Squad

Vancouver City Police

312 Main St.

Vancouver, BC

phone #604-665-2340 or 911 for emergency

hours - 24 hours a day

 

If you are willing to file a report about the sexual assault you experienced (or witnessed) this squad will investigate and follow it up. When you call one of these numbers make sure you request to speak to someone from the Sexual Assault Squad.

 

 

Battered Women's Support Services

phone #604-687-1867

hours - 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 8 pm Wednesday

 

Phone ahead. You may feel more comfortable talking to someone over the phone first. If you would like individual counselling, just tell them, and they will set-up an appointment for you right away.

 

They offer a variey of services for women who have or are being battered or abused. Their services include one-to-one counselling, workshops, support groups and education about the law and the justice system.

 

 

Hey-Way'-Noqu' Healing Circle For Addictions

206 - 33 East Broadway

Vancouver, BC

phone #604-874-1831

hours - 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Friday

 

Drop-in or phone ahead. They offer one-to-one counselling to aboriginal persons who have been sexually assaulted, battered or victimized.

 

 

SARA (Sexual Assault Recovery Anonymous)

phone #604-584-2626

hours - 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

 

Contact this number to find out locations. They do not give out the locations to you unless you are attending a group (safety reasons). There are usually long (3 to 6 months) waiting lists for the Peer Support groups they offer, so be patient.

 

 

Teenage Women's Support Group/Rape Crisis Centre

Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW)

phone #604-255-6344

hours - 24 hour crisis line

 

Call this number anytime you need help. They offer a regular support and discussion group for young women. Topics covered include sexual assault, dating and family issues.

 

 

Vancouver Hospital - Sexual Assault Assessment Service

Emergency Department

phone #604-875-4111

hours - 24 hours a day

 

You may ask for an assessment anytime. They are quite flexible, and will guarantee you a woman doctor if you prefer one. This is a service to examine men and women after they have been sexually assaulted. It is available anytime, and they are very sensitive to everyone's individual needs.

 

 

Vancouver Incest and Sexual Abuse Centre (VISAC)

Family Services of Greater Vancouver

#202 - 1193 Kingsway

Vancouver, BC

phone #604-875-2938

hours - 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Friday

 

You must phone ahead. They will get you to speak to an intake worker, who will then set you up with an appointment. You need to have a referral from Ministry of Social Services, be living in Vancouver and you must have reported the abuse to a social worker or the police.

 

They offer assistance involving the police and court, as well as treatment, support and educational help for persons who have been sexually abused.

 

 

Vancouver Police and Native Liaison Society

239 Main St.

Vancouver, BC

phone #604-687-8411

hours - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, closed noon to 1 pm for lunch

 

Phone or drop-in. Offers support and assistance to victims of crime and assault, such as medical services, aid and shelter.

 

 

Victims Information Line

phone #1-800-VICTIMS

 

This line offers information, advice and referral services. It is staffed with trained resource people who will try to give you the information and advice you need. They will also tell you if there are services in your community that can help you.

 

 

 

BC Communities with Transition Houses or Safe Homes:

 

 

 

100 Mile House	Invermere	Revelstoke
Abbotsford	Kamloops	Richmond
Aldergrove	Kaslo	Salmo
Burnaby	Kelowna	Salmon Arm
Burns Lake	Langley	Sardis
Campbell River	Mackenzie	Sechelt
Castlegar	Maple Ridge	Smithers
Chetwynd	McBride	Squamish
Chilliwack	Mission	Surrey
Clearwater	Nakusp	Telegraph Creek
Coquitlam	Nanaimo	Terrace
Courtney	Nelson	Trail
Cranbrook	North Vancouver	Tumbler Ridge
Creston	Parksville	Ucluelet
Dawson Creek	Penticton	Vancouver
Duncan	Port Alberni	Vanderhoof
Elkford	Port Coquitlam	Vernon
Fort Neslon	Port Hardy	Victoria
Fort St. John	Powell River	Watson Lake
Golden	Prince George	White Rock
Grand Forks	Prince Rupert	Williams Lake
Hope	Quesnel

 

 

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