If you’re reading this because something happened (or because you’re worried about a young person you care about) take a breath.
You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. You don’t have to decide anything immediately, and you are not alone in this.
There are people in Ottawa whose entire job is to support youth after sexual assault — confidentially, gently, and on your terms.
Below is what that can look like.
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.
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
You don’t have to:
- Decide today.
- Tell everyone.
- Report.
- Be strong.
- Know what healing looks like
You do deserve:
- Safety.
- Care.
- Confidential support.
- To move at your own pace.
If you want help navigating next steps, ORCC is here.
24/7 Crisis Line: 613-562-2333
Text/Chat (12 PM – 12 AM): 613-544-6424
Even if you just want to ask a question.
You are not alone in Ottawa, and you are allowed to be supported.
