by: Caron Cuff, ORCC Service Navigator
If something happened and you’re not sure how to name it, or how to feel about it, you’re not alone.
Maybe it happened at a party.
Maybe it was with someone you know.
Maybe it didn’t feel “that bad,” but something still doesn’t sit right.
Maybe you keep going over it in your head.
Whatever you’re feeling, it’s real. And it matters.
You don’t have to have the “right” words.
A lot of young people struggle to make sense of what happened, especially when:
- it involved someone they trusted
- there wasn’t a clear “no”
- they froze, went along with it, or aren’t sure how they responded
- alcohol or substances were involved
None of that makes it your fault.
Medical Care (Only If You Want It)
If the assault happened recently (or even not-so-recently) you can go to a hospital and see a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).
They understand that this is about more than injuries. It’s about safety, control, and emotional care too.
If you want to talk to someone
Talking to someone can help—but it’s your choice who that is.
You could reach out to:
- a trusted friend
- a school counsellor
- a support worker
- a crisis or support line
If you’re in Ottawa, the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC) offers free, confidential support for youth (16+). You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out—they will meet you where you are.
If you need support right now
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need to talk to someone immediately, you can:
- call or text a crisis line
- go to a safe place
- reach out to someone you trust
You deserve support in the moment—not just later.
Where to go:
- Under 16: CHEO
- 16 and older: The Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus)
- Available 24/7
You get to decide:
- Whether you want a medical exam
- Whether injuries are documented
- Whether evidence is collected
- Whether police are involved
You can say yes to some things and no to others. You can stop at any time.
Important:
If you choose to have evidence collected, it can be stored:
- Up to 6 months at The Ottawa Hospital
- Up to 1 year at CHEO
You do NOT have to talk to police to have evidence collected or stored.
Your Physical Health Matters
After a sexual assault, you may want testing, treatment, or preventative medication. This is all free — even if you don’t have OHIP.
Support can include:
- STI/STBBI testing and treatment
- HIV prevention medication (PEP)
- Emergency contraception (Plan B, Ella, Copper IUD referral)
- Vaccines (Hepatitis, Tetanus)
- Drug-facilitated assault testing (if you suspect you were drugged)
No cost. No insurance required. No pressure.
Emotional Support (You Don’t Have to Be “Okay”)
Sexual violence affects your body and your nervous system. You might feel:
- Numb
- Angry
- Dissociated
- Calm (and confused about that)
- Overwhelmed
- Nothing at all
All of it is valid.
At the hospital, you can access:
- On-site social workers
- Safety planning
- Emotional support during and after the visit
- Help thinking through next steps
You do not need to know what you want right away. Support meets you where you are.
Reporting to Police: Your Choice
You are never required to report.
If you choose to:
- You can give a statement in a private space.
- At The Ottawa Hospital, you can make a Third-Party Report, which allows anonymous reporting through a social worker.
- Evidence and photos are only released with your consent.
You stay in control.
Ongoing Counselling & Community Support
Healing doesn’t end at the hospital. And you don’t have to do this alone.
Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC)
- Free trauma-informed counselling (individual & groups)
- 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-562-2333
- Text/Chat (12 PM – 12 AM): 613-544-6424
- Service Navigators who can help you figure out where to go next
You can complete an intake form online, or just call.
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASCO)
- 24/7 support line
- Peer counselling
Supports for Specific Communities
Because identity matters in healing.
- Black youth (12–25): Black Women’s Institute for Health (free virtual therapy)
- 2SLGBTQIA+ youth: Kind Space (affirming counselling & peer groups)
- Indigenous youth: Minwaashin Lodge
- Muslim women & girls (14+): Nisa Foundation (free counselling sessions)
- French-language supports: CALACS, Tel-Aide Outaouais, Fem’Aide
If You’re Also Dealing With…
Sometimes sexual violence is connected to other stressors such as, housing instability, substance use, mental health, exploitation, trafficking.
You deserve support for all of it, not just one piece.
There are youth-specific services in Ottawa for:
- Mental health & crisis support (Kids Help Phone, Youth Services Bureau)
- Addiction & withdrawal support
- Youth shelters & drop-ins (ages 16–24)
- Employment & school completion programs
- Free legal advice for youth (Justice for Children & Youth)
Check out ORCC’s Community Services page for more information.
If it feels overwhelming to sort through this list — ORCC’s Service Navigators can help.
For Caregivers Reading This
If a young person disclosed to you:
- Thank them for telling you.
- Avoid asking “why” questions.
- Let them lead decisions.
- Focus on safety, not punishment.
- Ask: “What would feel most helpful right now?”
Your calm presence matters more than having the perfect words.
A Few Things to Remember
If you’re not ready to talk
That’s okay too.
You might:
- write down your thoughts
- spend time somewhere you feel safe
- distract yourself with something comforting
- come back to this later
There’s no timeline for processing what happened.
You deserve care, in your own way
No matter what you choose to do next (or not do) you deserve to feel safe, supported, and respected.
Even if you’re unsure.
Even if it’s complicated.
Even if no one else knows.
You matter. And support is here when you’re ready.
You are not alone.
