In Crisis? 
We strongly encourage you to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence. Even if you don’t seem to be physically injured, getting medical attention is important for two reasons:
- To assess for:
- internal and external injuries
- sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
- emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy (medication needs to be taken within 5 days)
- reducing the risk of HIV (medication needs to be taken within 3 days)
- To collect forensic evidence and document injuries in case you want to involve the police. You do not have to make a decision about police involvement at the time of your medical appointment.
- Anyone 14 years of age and older must be seen within 10 days after an assault. The sooner the evidence is collected, the better.
- Anyone under the age of 14 must go to Children’s Emergency at HSC for more information.
Following a sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence
There are nurses with specialized training called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), or forensic nurses. They can provide medical care and collect evidence after an assault.
Where to seek help
You have a choice to seek support in a community-based setting at Klinic if you do not require emergency medical treatment, or feel more comfortable seeking care in a non-hospital environment. Services are also available 24/7 at Health Science Centre (HSC). There is no wrong door to access care. Anyone under the age of 14 must go to Children’s Emergency at HSC.
You can also receive medical care from your doctor, walk-in clinics, other hospital emergency/urgent care departments and STI clinics.
Who can support me?
It can be difficult to access medical care. When you arrive, a nurse will ask if you want someone to be present for support, which can be a friend or family member. At Klinic, our sexual assault program Advocates and/or Indigenous Cultural Support Workers are available to assist you. Klinic Advocates can offer emotional and practical support, be present during the medical exam, if desired, and help you understand your options. This service is available at Klinic and at HSC.
To learn more about seeing a forensic nurse at Klinic, click here.
To learn more about seeing a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner at HSC, go to: Sexual Assault / Intimate Partner Violence Program (SA/IPV) – Health Sciences Centre
Learn more about the Sexual Assault Response Team at HSC here:
Helpful Links:
Winnipeg Police Service – Sex Crimes, Child Abuse, Victims Services
Winnipeg Police Service – Victim Services
Provincial Victim Services
Trauma Recovery
HSC Sexual Assault/Intimate Partner Violence program
Teen Clinic
STI Testing