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Sexual Assault Support Services

The Sexual Assault Support Services are for sexual assault survivors on the Southern Gulf Islands. The program helps survivors access free and confidential emergency support, ongoing support and individual counselling. The Sexual Assault Support Helpline is a free and confidential service.

Sexual Assault Support Helpline

Local (250) 931-7712
Toll-free 1-833-946-1706

Resources and Supports

Peer Support Group

Rebuilding community and overcoming isolation, after abuse. Click "Peer Support Group" above to learn more and apply.

Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers

Information and resources for guardians of youths who've been sexually assaulted.

Guidebook for Survivors of Sexual Assault

Information and resources for survivors of sexual assault.

DFSA Pamphlet

Download our pamphlet with useful information about drug-facilitated sexual assault.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact.
Read the full definition of sexual assault.

Who is Sexual Assault Support for?

Our Sexual Assault Support Services are for survivors of sexual assault (recent or past), aged 13 or older, on the Southern Gulf Islands, inclusive of trans, two-spirit, and non-binary folks.

Services on Salt Spring Island

Get Emergency Help

  • Available for people of all genders, aged 13+, who’ve been sexually assaulted within the last 7 days
  • Includes telephone or in-person sessions for emotional and practical support and sharing of information
  • Accompaniment by IWAV staff at the hospital for medical support or at the RCMP to report the assault

Receive Support

  • Available to sexual assault survivors who are youth 13+, women, non-binary, and trans folks
  • Discuss your options and get information
  • Plan for your safety
  • Make an anonymous report to police through our Sexual Assault Response Program
  • Get access to medical services and criminal justice processes
  • Receive referrals to other service providers

Get Ongoing Counselling

  • Available to sexual assault survivors who are youth 13+, women, non-binary, and trans folks
  • Available for female-identified and youth survivors of historic or recent sexual assault
  • Free and confidential

Why should you call us if you’ve been sexually assaulted?

  • You'll receive comprehensive and respectful care from all supporting members of this program.
  • We can help you get access to several services that you may need, such as medical services and criminal justice processes.
  • You'll be in charge of how to proceed, with your safety and comfort prioritized, and you set the pace of your healing journey.
  • You'll be listened to and believed.
  • Our services are confidential and free.
  • You can discuss your options, information, and safety planning with the Sexual Assault Support coordinator.
  • We offer support and counselling services to female-identified and youth survivors of recent and historic sexual assault.
  • You can make an anonymous report to police through our Sexual Assault Support Services using Third Party Reporting.

Respect | Dignity | Empathy | Choice

Are you reluctant to go the police? Have you considered Third Party Reporting?

  • Third Party Reporting is a simple and anonymous way for adult sexual survivors to report sexual assault.
  • The entire report is done through a third party. On Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands, this third party is our Sexual Assault Response Program.
  • We’ll give the police only the information you provided. Your name will be kept confidential.
  • Once police receive the report, they’ll assign a file number to it and give us the number to pass on to you.
  • They’ll enter the information about the assault that you provided into their internal database.
  • The police may ask us to get more information from you or to have contact with you. We’ll reach out to you to see if you’d like to or not, but it’s your decision.
Learn More About Third-Party Reporting

Get the Support You Need

This service is free and confidential.

Sexual Assault Support Helpline

Local (250) 931.7712
Toll-free 1.833.946.1706