In Northern Nova Scotia, victims of sexual abuse should:
- contact the Tearmann House crisis line (902-752-0132)
- or go directly to the Emergency Department at the Aberdeen Hospital
- or the Emergency Department at St Martha’s Regional Hospital
They will contact a SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) to help you. This is a 24/7 specialized healthcare response by a specially trained forensic nursing team. There is immediate help and also follow-up. They provide education and support and collect forensic data if needed. This is a confidential service and the police will be involved only if one consents to it.
The sexual assault victim should go to the hospital within 72 hours of the assault. They should not shower or bathe as that would wash away evidence. A forensic physical exam is a head to toe examination of the victim:
- They report any injuries
- The collect forensic evidence such as fibres, hair and DNA. This is held up to 6 months in case the victim reports the assault to police for prosecution
- They take preventative measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV
Find more information about the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program: Antigonish Women’s Resource Center & Sexual Assault Services Association.
In Pictou County, women can get additional support at the Pictou County Women’s Resource and Sexual Assault Center.