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SASCWR supports survivors of sexual violence. We listen, facilitate healing, and celebrate resiliency. Using an intersectional feminist approach, we work to transform systems which promote gender-based violence.

If you would like someone to go to the hospital or police station with you, or you would like emotional support or information, call the 24-Hour Support Line at 519-741-8633. For free counselling, advocacy, or court support, call 519-571-0121.

 Call 24-Hour Support Line:
519-741-8633
 Visit the
SASCWR Website 
Start an
Online Chat

If you experience sexual assault or domestic violence in Waterloo Region, there are expert resources available to you at St. Mary’s General Hospital for emergency and follow-up care. We are here for you if you need medical care or physical evidence collected.

Acute services are also provided at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

We are a 24/7 on call team of nurses and social workers who respond to the needs of individuals who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence. The team can be accessed through the Emergency Departments at St. Mary’s General Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Confidential treatment options will be offered for those accessing the team.

 Call Our Team:
519-749-6994
 Visit the St. Mary's General
Hospital Website 
Visit the Cambridge Memorial
Hospital Website

The Sexual Abuse Treatment Program is available free of charge to any child or youth in Waterloo Region under the age of 18.

Our specially trained clinicians meet with children and youth to complete an assessment of needs. We are able to offer information, support and education to anyone in the community with questions about sexual abuse, concerning sexual behaviours and healthy sexuality. We also offer group programs that act as a safe place and unique opportunity for children and youth to connect with others, receive support and continue on their path of healing.

 Call Our Team:
519-576-0540
 Email Our Team:
inquiries@facswaterloo.org
Visit the
FACS Website

 Victim Services of the Waterloo Region

Victim Services of Waterloo Region provides immediate crisis intervention, emotional support and referrals to individuals affected by crime and tragic circumstances. We offer 24/7 on-scene crisis intervention to address immediate safety concerns. Our other services include community support sessions, safety planning, referrals to counselling and relevant community and government support services, and other support options.

If you need help, or have questions about Victim Services Waterloo Region, please contact us.

  Call Our Team (Mon-Fri):
519-585-2363
 Call Our Team (After Hours):
519-570-5143
Start an
Online ChatVisit the
VSWR Website

You have the right to choose to report the sexual assault to police or you can choose to speak to one of the support agencies below who can offer assistance. If you have any concerned about reporting to the police, you can engage with an advocate from SASCWR to learn more about your options including having an accompaniment to the police station.

If you are in immediate danger or the offender is still present, call 9-1-1.

For all non-emergency situations, please contact 519-570-9777.

Emergency:
9-1-1
Non-Emergency:
519-570-9777

According to criminal law, a sexual assault is any unwanted sexual touching. Sexual assault does not need to include intercourse and is any contact that you did not consent to. It includes unwanted kissing, hugging, molestation, rape and attempted rape. It can happen to someone once, more than once or even over many years.  Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, regardless of a person’s gender, age, socioeconomic status, etc. Any sexual act between an adult and a child constitutes sexual assault.

Factors to consider include, but are not limited to:

• The part of the body that was touched.
• The nature of the contact.
• Words or gestures used that accompany the contact
• Threats or promises made by anyone involved in the incident (this may or may not include force)
• Just because you didn’t say no doesn’t mean that you gave consent

To consent to sexual activity means to agree freely. The law requires that a person take reasonable steps to find out whether the other person is consenting.

Consent is not given when:

• You are unconscious
• You are incapacitated by alcohol or drugs
• You fear the consequences of not consenting
• You feel threatened or intimidated
• You are coerced (tricked, forced etc)
• You are physically forced to comply
• You say no either verbally or physically
• You have a disability or suffer from mental health concerns that prevents you from providing consent
• Even if you have given consent, you can withdraw that consent at any time if you change your mind

Domestic violence is abuse experienced by someone in a current or past intimate relationship. It may be emotional, psychological, financial or physical. If you are in an abusive relationship, we can help.

In Ontario, police are legislated to lay criminal charges with respect to domestic violence, if the police have reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed.  This includes present and past intimate relationships. Learn more about Domestic Violence and important safety tips here. 

You have the right to choose to report the sexual assault to police or you can choose to speak to one of the support agencies below who can offer assistance. If you have any concerned about reporting to the police, you can engage with an advocate from SASCWR to learn more about your options including having an accompaniment to the police station.

What happens next when you choose to report to police?

A call taker in the Communications Branch will take some basic information from you and briefly what you are reporting. It will then be determined whether a uniform patrol officer will respond initially or if the investigation will be handled by the Special Victims Unit.

Police may request that you attend the hospital for medical treatment and/or to complete a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK). The SAEK may assist police in the investigation. Completion of the SAEK is completely voluntary, however, potential evidence may be lost if you choose not to complete it. SAEK’s can be completed up to ten days after the offence.

Once a sexual assault investigator is assigned, you will be contacted to schedule an interview with the investigator. You also have the right to select the gender of the investigator assigned to your case. We encourage you to bring a friend or support person to assist you before and after the interview, but that person will not be allowed to be present during the interview. 

After the interview, you will be provided with several options as to how an investigation can proceed. 

There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault. This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, you can still report it to police for investigation. 

What if the sexual assault didn’t happen here in this region?

The Waterloo Regional Police Service investigates sexual assaults that have occurred in the Region of Waterloo. However, if you reside within the Region of Waterloo, but are a victim of sexual assault in another jurisdiction, you can speak with one of our investigators and we will forward the information to the police service in the jurisdiction where the sexual assault occurred so they can continue the investigation.

Court Proceedings

If criminal charges are laid, you will be referred to the Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP).  You will be kept informed as to whether the offender is released, any terms of release for the offender (i.e. no contact terms), and how the case is progressing in court. 

Your Privacy

Your privacy is important to us and your name will never be released to the media by police.  When we release information, it may contain the risk to public safety, information that could help solve the case and invite more victims to come forward.  It could also contain general information about a description of the suspect, and the date, time and location of the sexual assault if applicable.

• Talk to someone you trust
• Give yourself permission to get professional help
• Spend time with supportive people
• Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs
• Acknowledge that this is traumatic and that its ok to have difficult moments
• Don’t blame yourself or create negative self-talk
• Try to eat healthy and maintain a regular routine
• Practice deep breathing
• Be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to heal

 The SASCWR offers public education programs centered on educating for social change and raising awareness around issues of sexual violence. They offer a variety of workshops which are tailored to the age and needs of the group. 

SASCWR Workshops

Our volunteers play a vital role in providing sexual violence support to our region. We encourage prospective volunteers who reflect the diversity of Waterloo Region (newcomers to Canada, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities) to apply.     

 Call Volunteer with
SASCWR
 Volunteer with
FACS
Volunteer with
VSWR

The SASC Male Allies program engages boys and men, with their unique ability and responsibility, in ending systemic and everyday forms of gender-based violence. They offer workshops, lectures, training, group facilitation and professional development to provide alternative narratives of masculinity, opportunity for self-reflection and dialogue, and challenges harmful language and behaviour.

Learn More About SASC's Male Allies