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Acute medical care for survivors of sexual assault

Safety, privacy and physical comfort of the clients are ensured in our private treatment area.
Emotional trauma of the patients is assessed and appropriate referrals and consultations are utilized. Risk assessments and or safety planning are provided which may be done immediately or in follow up counselling appointments. This may include information on community agencies such as shelter, legal services, police information and safety planning (See resources)

Survivor’s medical needs are assessed and triaged through the Emergency staff/appropriate health care provider. Baseline pregnancy test is done on all women if indicated and prophylactic medication for the prevention of pregnancy is offered when appropriate. Risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STI) are discussed.Baseline STI testing and or medications for prevention of Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B , Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are offered and as appropriate provided.
Details of prophylaxis offered when indicated:

  • Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (for possible Hepatitis B exposure)
  • Hepatitis B vaccine (for possible Hepatitis B exposure and to protect against future exposures)
  • Levonorgestrel 150ug (emergency contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy)
  • Dimenhydrinate (to prevent nausea)
  • Tetanus vaccine (protects against Tetanus for 10 years)
  • Azithromycin 1 gram by mouth (to prevent Chlamydia)
  • Ceftriaxone 250 mg intramuscularly (to prevent Gonorrhea)
  • HIV post exposure treatment regimen (28 days)

**Please note: If you vomit within 1 hour of taking these medications, they may not be effective. HIV: If you have consented to an HIV test, it is important to remember that the result may not include an infection from this assault. Therefore, it is recommended that HIV testing be repeated at 4 to 6 weeks and again at 4 months after the potential exposure.
These tests can be done at Chantel’s Place or another health care provider.
If you prefer, anonymous HIV testing can be done at your local Public Health Department. (see Resources).