Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART)
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team provides specialized care to individuals who have been sexually assaulted within the past 72 hours. The service is available through the Sheldon Chumir Urgent Care Centre (1213-4th St S.W.) and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The team will travel to other hospitals when required.
Note: If more than 72 hours have passed since the sexual assault, there are other options for medical attention available, please contact the CCASA 24 hour crisis and information line at 403-237-5888 for more information.
After a sexual assault, it is essential to receive immediate medical attention due to the possibility of injury, pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. If you choose to go to the Sheldon Chumir Urgent Care Centre (1213-4th St S.W.), the following CSART professionals will see you:
- A female doctor and nurse trained in sexual assault care who will examine and treat you for injuries, provide you with STD and pregnancy testing, and follow up with results. They will also collect forensic evidence if you choose to report to the police.
You may also choose:
- A crisis counsellor from Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse who will provide you with information about common reactions to sexual assault and recovery, assess your needs, inform you of reporting options, provide you with referrals, and follow up with you if you choose.
- Police officers from the Calgary Police Service, the RCMP, or Tribal Police, (depending on where the assault occurred) who will take a statement from you and answer your questions regarding the investigation process.
All CSART team members are trained in providing sexual assault care and work together to make your experience at the hospital as positive as possible under the circumstances.
Permalink — Posted by Ian Sutherland on Oct. 20 at 12:55 PM
