Survivors have the right to receive timely and accurate information about:

• Available Services: Survivors should be informed about local resources such as sexual assault centers, crisis hotlines, and counseling services.
• Ontario: In Ontario, survivors can contact the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre for 24-hour support, counseling, and resources. They provide a range of services tailored to individuals affected by sexual violence.
• British Columbia: The BC Sexual Assault Response Team offers comprehensive support for survivors, including access to medical care, counseling, and legal assistance. Additionally, the VictimLink BC helpline (1-800-563-0808) provides free, confidential support and information on services available throughout the province.
• Yukon: The Yukon Sexual Assault Crisis Centre offers a safe space for survivors to seek immediate help, along with ongoing support services. They provide counseling, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate services.
• Investigation Status: Survivors have the right to receive updates on the status of the police investigation.
• For example, in Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have a commitment to keep survivors informed about the progress of investigations, including whether charges have been laid and significant developments.
• In British Columbia, police services, such as the Vancouver Police Department, have victim assistance units that provide updates on investigations and ensure survivors are informed about their cases.
• Criminal Justice Process: This includes information on court dates, procedures, and their rights throughout the process.
• For instance, the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General provides detailed guides on what to expect during court proceedings, helping survivors understand their roles and rights in the process.
• In Yukon, the Yukon Department of Justice offers resources to help survivors understand the criminal justice system, including court procedures and what to expect when testifying.

Survivors are entitled to protections that can help ensure their safety, such as:

• Protection from Intimidation: This means survivors should not be subjected to threats or harassment from the accused or their associates.
• In Ontario, the Victim Services Unit works with police to ensure that survivors have safety plans in place and that any threats are taken seriously and acted upon.
• In British Columbia, the RCMP Victim Assistance Program can provide support and safety planning for survivors, helping them to navigate threats from offenders.
• Legal Protections: Survivors can seek restraining orders or protection orders that legally prohibit the offender from contacting or coming near them.
• For example, in Ontario, survivors can apply for a peace bond through the court system, which is a legal document that prevents the accused from contacting the survivor.
• In Yukon, survivors can obtain a Protection Order to keep the offender away from them, which can be applied for through the local court system.
• Privacy Protections: Survivors have the right to have their personal information protected during the investigation and court process, ensuring their identity remains confidential when desired.
• In all provinces, measures such as using initials or pseudonyms in court can be requested to protect a survivor's identity.

Survivors can actively engage in the criminal justice process by:

• Expressing Views: At various stages, including bail hearings and sentencing, survivors can share their experiences and how the crime has impacted their lives.
• For example, during sentencing in Ontario, survivors can present a Victim Impact Statement that details the emotional and psychological toll of the assault.
• In British Columbia, survivors can submit their statements to the court, which are considered when the judge determines the appropriate sentence.
• Providing Input on Release Conditions: Survivors may also have the opportunity to provide input on the conditions of the accused’s release, ensuring their safety is prioritized.
• For instance, the Yukon Court allows survivors to express concerns about the conditions under which an accused person may be released, ensuring their input is considered.
• Access to Legal Representation: Survivors have the right to seek legal advice, allowing them to navigate the system effectively and advocate for their interests.
• In Ontario, organizations like Legal Aid Ontario provide legal assistance and representation for survivors who qualify.
• In British Columbia, the BC Legal Services Society offers legal help to low-income individuals, including those who have experienced sexual violence.

Survivors can seek compensation for various losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: This could involve reimbursement for hospital visits, therapy sessions, and any necessary medical treatments following the assault.
• In Ontario, the Victims of Crime Compensation Program offers financial assistance to survivors for medical expenses related to their assault.
• In British Columbia, survivors can apply to the Crime Victim Assistance Program, which provides financial support for medical and therapeutic needs.
• Lost Wages: If the assault affects a survivor’s ability to work, they have the right to seek compensation for lost income.
• For example, in Yukon, survivors can apply for compensation from the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board if the assault occurred in a workplace context.
• Additional Damages: Survivors can also seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other impacts on their quality of life resulting from the assault.

Survivors are entitled to access a variety of support services tailored to their unique needs, which may include:

• Counseling and Therapy: Survivors can receive psychological support through individual or group therapy sessions specifically designed for those who have experienced sexual violence.
• In Ontario, the Toronto General Hospital Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre provides free and confidential therapy for survivors.
• In British Columbia, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre offers a range of counseling options, including individual and group therapy for survivors.
• In Yukon, the Yukon Sexual Assault Crisis Centre provides crisis counseling and ongoing therapy for those affected by sexual violence.
• Advocacy Services: Trained advocates can help survivors navigate the legal system, assist in filing police reports, and connect them to necessary community resources.
• In Ontario, The Assaulted Women’s Helpline offers advocacy services that help survivors understand their rights and navigate the legal process.
• In British Columbia, the Sexual Assault Service provides advocates who work directly with survivors, helping them access support and legal resources.
• Crisis Intervention: Immediate support services, such as crisis hotlines, can provide 24/7 assistance.
• In Ontario, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline (1-866-863-0511) offers immediate support and guidance for survivors needing urgent assistance.
• In British Columbia, the BC Sexual Assault Hotline (1-877-392-7583) provides support to survivors around the clock.
• Referral Services: Survivors can be referred to other essential services, including housing assistance, legal advice, and medical care, ensuring comprehensive support tailored to their circumstances.
• In Yukon, organizations like the Yukon Housing Corporation can assist survivors in finding safe housing options.
• In British Columbia, the Victim Assistance Program can connect survivors to various social services to ensure they receive the support they need

Many communities have sexual assault centers that provide specialized services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy. These centers often employ trained professionals who understand the trauma of sexual violence.

• Ontario: Ontario’s sexual assault centres (OCRCC) provide free and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence. Services include crisis support, counseling, advocacy, and access to community resources. Many centres also offer specialized services such as support groups, public education, and assistance navigating the legal and medical systems. These centres are committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for survivors of all genders, backgrounds, and identities. Visit sexualassaultsupport.ca to learn more and click this link to find a centre near you and access the care and support you deserve.
• British Columbia: British Columbia offers a comprehensive network of services to support survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Through Ending Violence BC’s Services Directory, survivors can access crisis support, counseling, legal advocacy, and specialized programs tailored to their unique needs. These services are designed to foster healing and empowerment, providing inclusive, confidential, and culturally sensitive care for survivors of all genders and identities. Visit the directory to find services in your area and take the first step toward support and recovery.
• Yukon: Yukon offers a range of resources for survivors of sexualized violence and domestic abuse, including crisis support, counseling, advocacy, and healing programs. Through End Violence Yukon and the Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council service directories, survivors can find service providers to access outreach, prevention, and culturally grounded healing services. These programs prioritize confidentiality and inclusivity, creating safe spaces for survivors of all genders and backgrounds. Explore available services to begin your journey of healing and empowerment.

Professional counseling can help survivors cope with trauma and the emotional aftermath of sexual assault. Many organizations offer free or sliding-scale services specifically for survivors.

In Ontario, British Columbia, and the Yukon survivors of sexual assault and/or domestic abuse can access immediate counselling sessions with a qualified counsellor by accessing support with Victim's Services. 

To access Victim's Services programs in Ontario click here. 

To access Victim's Services programs in British Columbia or the Yukon via VictimLink click here. For Yukon specific Victim's Services support click here. 

• Ontario: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provides mental health services, including specialized counseling for survivors of sexual violence. They offer both individual and group therapy options. For Indigenous women requiring immediate support, Talk4Healing is available 24/7offers help, support, and resources 24/7 through talk, text, and chat. 
• British Columbia: The BC Psychological Association has a directory of psychologists who specialize in trauma and sexual violence. Many practitioners offer sliding-scale fees to ensure that services are accessible to all survivors. 
• Yukon: The Yukon Mental Wellness Strategy includes initiatives to provide mental health services specifically for survivors of sexual violence. The Yukon Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) also offers therapeutic services to support healing. Indigenous survivors of sexualized violence can also find culturally aligned healing support from Yukon Aboriginal Womens Council.   

Indigenous survivors of sexualized violence or domestic violence in the provinces and territories of Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan can access counselling support from Noojimo Health. Noojimo Health is an Indigenous-owned company that offers culturally safe and timely virtual mental health services for Indigenous people by an Indigenous care provider. To access their services please click here. Note: Indigenous survivors may be eligible to receive up to 22 hours of counselling each year through a program called NIHB. To learn more, contact Noojimo Health's office Auntie by calling 1-833-277-5678. 

For those impacted by sexualized violence and child abuse under the age of 16, please visit the following links: 

• Ontario 
• Yukon
• British Columbia

Survivors may qualify for legal aid services that can assist them with navigating the legal system and obtaining necessary legal representation.

• Ontario: Legal Aid Ontario provides a range of services for survivors, including legal representation and advice for those involved in the criminal justice process. They have a dedicated team that specializes in sexual assault cases.
• British Columbia: The Legal Services Society of BC offers legal aid for low-income individuals, including survivors of sexual assault. They provide access to legal advice, representation, and resources to help navigate the legal system.
• Yukon: The Yukon Legal Services Society offers legal aid services to residents, including assistance for survivors of sexual violence. They provide legal representation and can help survivors understand their rights in the legal process.

National and local hotlines provide immediate support and guidance to survivors in crisis situations.

• National:
• Sexual Assault Crisis Helpline: 1-800-656-4673 offers confidential support and resources to survivors across Canada.
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 provides 24/7 support and information specifically for women who have experienced sexual violence.
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 offers support for youth who may be dealing with issues related to sexual violence, providing a safe and anonymous space for them to talk.
• British Columbia: The BC Sexual Assault Hotline (1-877-392-7583) provides 24-hour support, offering emotional support and information about available services.
• Yukon: The Yukon Sexual Assault Crisis Centre has a crisis hotline that operates 24/7, providing immediate assistance and support to those in need.

Indigenous Support Lines

• Talk4Healing offers a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario. To access the helpline contact 1-855-554-HEAL (4325). 
• Hope for Wellness offers mental health counselling and crisis intervention to Indigenous people across Canada. To access the helpline contact 1-855-242-3310. 
• Indian Residential School Crisis Line is a national service for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. To access the helpline contact 1-866-925-4419.

2SLGBTQIA+ Helplines: 

• Trans Lifeline - Trans Lifeline is a 24-hour crisis line for transgender people. To access the helpline please call 1-877-330-6366. 
• LGBT YouthLine offers free support through our Ontario-wide 2SLGBTQ+ peer-support HelpLine. To access LGBT YouthLine please click here.