Chinook Regional Hospital sign, file photo. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

New service to aid healthcare workers in caring for sexual assault victims

Sep 2, 2022 | 1:16 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is adding new programming to help ensure that the victims of sexual violence are properly taken care of.

Associate Minister of Status of Women Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk says the new AHS consult line with help guide healthcare workers in delivering care for victims.

“This consult line means that more survivors of sexual assault will receive the care they need in their home communities and make sure that patients who are already dealing with trauma do not have to travel to receive specialty/medical care,” says Armstrong-Homeniuk.

Healthcare workers can phone a dedicated line for advice and guidance about sexual assault medical and forensic response services including exams, testing, treatment, and evidence collection.

Interim President and CEO of AHS Mauro Chies believes that enhancing services to victims is important.

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“The consult line will increase accessibility to services while improving our focus on patient-centered care and helping health-care providers in emergency departments feel supported in delivering this important care for patients,” says Chies. “The consult line will especially help rural health providers care for survivors of sexual assault in their home communities, providing this essential care close to home.”

The Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services reports that, as of 2020, an estimated 1.8 million Albertans have experienced sexual abuse in their lifetimes, totalling 45% of the province’s population. 87% of victims are women.

Albertans who have experienced any form of sexual violence and need crisis support or help in finding support services can call or text Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000.