Acute medical care is provided when an assault has occurred in the last 12 days. A client’s medical needs are assessed and then triaged through the emergency department staff/appropriate health care provider. Once in the care of Chantel’s Place staff, the emotional trauma of a patient is considered, followed up with the appropriate referrals and consultations. Risk assessments and/or safety planning will be provided, either immediately or in follow-up counselling appointments.
Our acute medical care services include, but are not limited to:
- Crisis intervention/emotional support;
- Documentation of assault;
- Assessment and documentation of injuries (including photographs);
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis B;
- Emergency contraceptive options (e.g. “the morning after pill”);
- Forensic evidence collection, or a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK);
- Risk assessment and safety planning; and
- Referrals to community agencies for additional support.
