Emergency

Sexual Assault Services (SAS)

Related topics: Sexual health

Find this service near you

Sexual assault is an emergency.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, go to the emergency department. You might need medication for sexually transmitted infections (STI), emergency birth control or have injuries that need immediate attention.  

We believe you and we are here to support you.

Our sexual assault services provide survivors with the health care they need. We can also support with evidence collection, storage and reporting to police/RCMP if survivors choose.

Where should I go to access sexual assault services?

  • 13 or older, assault happened within the past seven days

    We have gender-inclusive specialized Sexual Assault Services available through the below emergency departments (see locations). This service is confidential. You do not need to report to the police/RCMP to access this service.

  • After seven days

    After seven days our specialized teams cannot collect evidence, but you are encouraged to get care through; the emergency department, urgent primary care centre, walk-in clinic, community health centre, youth clinic or your primary care provider (e.g., family doctor or nurse practitioner). There is no time limit on when a sexual assault can be reported to police/RCMP. 

  • Under 14

    BC Children’s Hospital recommends that individuals 14 and under who have been sexually assaulted should call 911 or go to BC Children's Hospital when possible.

    If you are in a remote/rural location, please go to your local emergency department if you need immediate medical attention, and our emergency department doctors will be able to refer you to Children’s Hospital’s Child Protection Service Unit 

More information

  • What is sexual assault?

    Sexual assault is any sexual contact that happens without your consent. It can happen to anyone, no matter their gender. It can include: 

    • Sexual touching without consent 
    • Pressuring someone into having sex 
    • Forced kissing or touching 
    • Forced sex 
    • Rape 

    It’s never your fault.  It doesn’t matter if you: 

    • Drank alcohol or used drugs  
    • Flirted with the person who sexually assaulted you  
    • Were friends with the person who sexually assaulted you 
    • Consented to some sexual activities, like kissing or making out  
    • Consented to having sex with that person in the past  
    • Changed your mind after you gave consent 

    You may feel guilty, anxious, depressed, angry, numb, powerless, embarrassed, ashamed or in denial. You may be worried about sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, HIV, or injuries. These are all common concerns after a sexual assault. 

  • What does the specialized Sexual Assault Services team do?

    Sexual assault is a traumatic experience. You might not remember everything or find it hard to believe this really happened to you. This is normal. Our specialized Sexual Assault Services are led by teams of women who are trained to respond to your health care needs in a safe, compassionate, knowledgeable and supportive environment. With your consent they: 

    • Provide medical care  
    • Provide sensitive and caring sexual assault examinations   
    • Collect and store evidence 
    • Help with the reporting process, if you choose to report 

    They: 

    • Understand the trauma you’ve experienced  
    • Focus on your experience and needs during the medical examination 
    • Have the information to connect you with follow-up community resources  

    This is a gender-inclusive service available to any consenting person aged 13 and older who has been sexually assaulted within the past seven days.  

  • Other important information

    • This service is free and confidential.  
    • This service is available to everyone, even if you are not a resident of BC or a Canadian citizen.  
    • You DO NOT need your care card. 
    • You DO NOT need a parent or guardian to be with you.  
    • You are welcome to have a support person of your choosing with you. 
    • We have Indigenous patient navigators available through some of our emergency departments.  
    • We have virtual translators available through the emergency department. 

    If you would like a support person to accompany you during your visit, you can call:

Specialized Sexual Assault Service’s three options for care

After you’ve been seen by the emergency department doctor, they will contact the specialized team. You will have three options to choose from. It is your choice what services you get and you can change your mind at any time. You do not have to do all parts of the exam. Exams can take two to six hours to complete. 

  • Medical care only

    • Medication for sexually transmitted infection (STI)  
    • Emergency birth control  
    • Blood and/or urine testing 

  • Medical care and evidence collection. No reporting to police/RCMP.

    • The above and,  
    • Physical exam  
    • Documentation of injuries including photographs 
    • Evidence collection that can help if you choose to report the assault 
    • Storing evidence in our locked evidence freezer for one year 
    • If you choose, you can report to police at any time  

  • Medical care and evidence collection with handover to police/RCMP

    • The above and,  
    • Help in the reporting process to police/RCMP 
    • Evidence handover to the police/RCMP  

It is your choice if you want to report the sexual assault to the police/RCMP. We will support whatever decision you make.  

You are not alone. Before you leave the hospital, we will connect you with community resources that you may need on your journey to heal.  

Regional resources

Find this service near you

OR

  • Forensic Nursing Services at Lions Gate Hospital

    231 East 15th Street North Vancouver

  • Forensic Nursing Services at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital

    5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt

  • Sexual Assault Service (SAS) at UBC Hospital Urgent Care Centre

    2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver

  • Sexual Assault Service (SAS) at Vancouver General Hospital

    899 West 12th Avenue Vancouver