An unwanted kiss. A pinch or grab. Rape.
Although very different, these are all examples of sexual assault.
And each one happens on the southwest coast.
Those were some of the facts presented to the some 40 people who attended a Sexual Assault Awareness Week lunch and learn on Sept. 18.
Statistics on the number of sexual assaults aren't readily available as many go unreported, said Susanne Ingram, executive director of the Gateway Women's Centre.
Some victims don't tell anyone what happened, others tell only a close friend or family member. Only a portion of women sexually assaulted seek help or counselling at places like the women's centre or the hospital. Fewer still contact the police.
"What the police are seeing is the tip of the iceberg," said Mrs. Ingram.
However, she said that doesn't mean sexual assaults aren't happening locally. She said the women's centre does see victims, most often women who are in relationships with the person who committed the assault.
Mrs. Ingram explained that in most cases reported to the women's centre the sexual assault is an escalation of ongoing domestic violence and is often combined with other forms of violence.
She said some people who are sexually assaulted don't even know to label what has happened as an assault.
Sexual assault includes but isn't limited to rape, said Mrs. Ingram. She added that being in a relationship does not give either partner the right to force unwanted sexual acts on the other, even if they previously agreed to those things.
At the luncheon, Constable April Janes of the RCMP explained it doesn't matter if a person was drinking, at a party or with someone they know or are even married to - nothing gives someone else the right to assault another person.
She said if someone doesn't say yes, or doesn't respond at all, especially if they are passed out, it means no.
Staying SANE
During her presentation at the lunch and learn, Nurse Practitioner Donna Parsons described how a person over the age of 16 who was sexually assaulted would be treated if they came to the LeGrow Health Centre.
The hospital has a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, commonly referred to as a SANE nurse. While the individual at LeGrow is currently on leave, another nurse could be called to the area if needed. If one is not available, the emergency room physician can perform the examination and collect the evidence.
A SANE nurse can, with the consent of the patient, collect evidence of the assault including mouth, vaginal and anal swabs, materials in the hair or on the skin and the clothing worn by the victim. Treatment for any injuries is given first.
Mrs. Parsons said the examination is intensive and takes about two to three hours. A friend or other support person can be there with the victim. It takes place in a private room where the victim can have privacy.
Any evidence collected is specially stored and can be used in court or stored for possible later use if the victim doesn't want to proceed immediately.
The SANE nurse can also offer the victim medications, such as antibiotics and the morning-after pill. They will contact the police on behalf of the victim if request, but the choice is up to the victim.
This service is offered to anyone 16 years and older. Victims under that age follow a different process as the case must be immediately referred to police and Children's and Family Services.
Legally speaking
Const. Janes of the Port aux Basques detachment of the RCMP spoke about the law and sexual assault at the luncheon.
She said the RCMP treats reports of sexual assault as one of the highest priorities.
Const. Janes said that the police must complete a detailed interview with the victim, which they can find hard to get through. She explained they need to gather as much detail as possible while its still as fresh in someone's mind.
Once an assault is reported to the police they will conduct an investigation and lay charges if warranted. The accused is usually put on court-ordered conditions to stay away from the victim.
After giving a statement to police, a victim can decide he or she doesn't want to proceed with the matter. However, that's not the case for situations between people in domestic relationships.
Sgt. Cathy Whitehead explained the RCMP has a zero tolerance policy on domestic abuse so any report of sexual assault between a boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife or even divorced or separated couples results in an investigation and charges if warranted.
She said the policy came about as a result of the police accepting a victim's wish not to proceed and the situation escalating to more serious assaults and even murder.
Sgt. Whitehead said some victims find themselves in trouble with the law when they give a statement and then say it wasn't true after deciding they don't want to proceed.
They can be charged with public mischief for lying to the police. She said people just need to tell the police the truth and explain they've had a change of heart.
Even in domestic situations, while the police investigation must proceed, there are opportunities for a victim to talk to the Crown prosecutor and say they no longer wish to proceed.
Sgt. Whitehead suggested that if someone doesn't feel ready to talk to the police after an incident that they write down what happened or tell a friend. That can help preserve the details that can help catch or convict the assaulter.
She said the detachment has been seeing an increasing number of sexual assaults over the last few months. Most of the cases involve girls under the age of 16 having consensual sex with men in the 20s and 30s.
Sgt. Whitehead explained that under the age of 16, a person cannot legally consent to sex, not even with their parents' permission.
editor@gulfnews.ca
If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted, tell them to go directly to the hospital or police station.
Someone close to them should accompany them if possible to provide support and assistance.
The victim should not eat, drink, chew gum, change clothes, shower or bathe, or use the toilet if possible. This preserves as much evidence as possible.
However, still seek attention even after doing any of these things as medical attention may be needed and evidence can remain up to 72 hours after the assault.
Resources
Sexual Assault Crisis Line - 1-800-726-2743
Mental Health Crisis Line - 1-888-737-4668
LeGrow Health Centre - 695-2175
Calder Health Centre - 886-3350
Port aux Basques RCMP - 695-2149
Burgeo RCMP - 886-2241
Gateway Women's Centre - 695-7505
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