WELLINGTON COUNTY – Victim Services Wellington has collaborated with the Guelph Police Service to create the Support and Information Guide for Victims of Sexual violence.
“We really wanted people to know what resources are there,” Victim Services executive director Elizabeth Kent said in an interview with the Advertiser.
A press release indicates the guide was funded though the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Civil Remedies Grant Program.
“It includes a definition of sexual assault and discussion of relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada; a discussion of what constitutes consent; and options available to survivors after a sexual assault,” states the press release.
“(It) also explains the specialized medical care available to sexual assault survivors and discusses the process for making a complaint to police if a survivor chooses to do so, including the investigative process and what a survivor can expect throughout the court process.”
The process of creating the guide was started last year.
Kent explained that inconsistent information is often given to victims depending on what services are used, and who is spoken with.
“We wanted to have something that laid down the process,” Kent said.
Even when information is properly explained, victims may not completely process information after a traumatic experience. A written format could be a better resource for information later on.
“Education is power,” Kent said of the guide’s importance.
She said services are plenty in Wellington County: “It doesn’t have to be us … it’s important that people have choices.”
To download the guide visit the Guelph Police Service website: www.guelphpolice.ca/en/crime-prevention-and-community-safety/sexual-violence-support-guide.aspx.
For more information, or to obtain a physical copy of the guide call Victim Services Wellington at 519-824-1212, ext. 7205, or email victim@vswguelph.on.ca.
