If you have experienced sexual assault or violence, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is a safe space to come to for support. We can give you information about sexual assault support centres and can assist with transportation to get you there if needed. We also provide emergency contraception and testing for STIs at our Sexual Health Clinics.
Relationships and consent
You have the right to say no to any form of sexual activity no matter who it is with. If you say no to any form of sexual activity and someone does not respect your decision, they are committing a crime and should be reported to authorities. Learn about relationships and consent on our Safer Sex page.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any form of sexual touching or forced sexual activity that happens without consent. This can range from unwanted touching, to kissing, to sexual intercourse. Sexual assault can happen to anyone. It happens to adults and children, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Who commits sexual assault?
Most victims of sexual assault are assaulted or abused by someone they know. This can include a romantic partner, neighbour, friend, co-worker, family member, doctor, caregiver or therapist. Sexual assault can also be committed by strangers, but this is less common.
What to do if you've been sexually assaulted
Whatever happened, you are not to blame for the sexual assault and you are not alone.
- Get to a safe place and tell someone you trust.
- Seek medical treatment at a hospital, doctor’s office or sexual health clinic.
- Call your local Sexual Assault Resource Centre
- Call the police. Do not wash, douche, brush your teeth, change your clothes, go to the washroom or clean up the area where the assault happened. If you have already done some of these things, you can still report the crime.
How to help someone who's been assaulted
It is important for all victims of sexual assault to be offered support.
- Let them know they are not alone. Listen to what they have to say and take them seriously.
- Let them make the decisions about what they will do next.
Where to get help?
- Anova London 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576
- Violence Against Women Services Elgin County 519-633-0155 or 1-800-265-4305
- Domestic Abuse Services Oxford 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
- Family & Children Services Elgin 519-631-1492 or 1-800-260-6960
- Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County 519-539-6176 or 1-800-250-7010
- Canadian Mental Health Association Elgin 519-633-1781
- Canadian Mental Health Association Oxford 519-539-8055
- Elgin OPP 519-631-2920
- St. Thomas Police 519-631-1224
- Oxford OPP 519-688-6540
- Woodstock Police 519-537-2323
Contact our Sexual Health Team
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For sexual health services at our St. Thomas site email sexualhealthstthomas@swpublichealth.ca
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For sexual health services at our Woodstock site email sexualhealthwoodstock@swpublichealth.ca
Please do not share personal health information via email.
To speak with a Public Health Nurse on the Sexual Health Team call 1-800-922-0096.