Breaking down barriers

In an innovative partnership, victims of sexual assault in Oxford County are able to receive specialized follow-up care close to home.
Considered the first agreement of its kind in the province, the Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) is collaborating with the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (RSADVTP) of St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) to provide specialized follow-up services for Oxford County residents who have experienced sexual assault.  

The RSADVTP will provide consultation services to OCCHC on follow-up care for patients seen at St. Joseph’s, as well as for Oxford County patients who may need care but did not come to London.   

“This partnership addresses a long-standing barrier to care in Oxford County for those seeking support for sexual assault,” says Randy Peltz, Executive Director, OCCHC. “It means the OCCHC can serve as an extension of selected services typically only provided at RSADVTP, including ongoing documentation and treatment of injuries, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infection, and counselling.”  

Follow-up care in Oxford County will be provided by OCCHC nurses, doctors and social workers, in consultation with the RSADVTP.
St. Joseph’s is committed to partnerships that improve access to services and allow survivors to feel safe in disclosing and seeking the care they need, says Cassandra Fisher, Coordinator of the RSADVTP.  

“Disclosing sexual assault or domestic violence is extremely difficult and often frightening,” explains Cassandra. “Anyone who comes into our program is offered to be followed medically, psychologically, emotionally and/or spiritually for six months post an assault. We want to ensure everyone is able to access this follow-up care regardless of where they live.”

Historically, travel and transportation challenges have prevented many Oxford County residents from receiving support and care for sexual assault at a time of significant urgency, says Laura McCreery, sexual assault therapist and Program Coordinator, Oxford Sexual Assault Services at OCCHC.

“This innovative partnership with St. Joseph’s also serves as a potential model for other – often rural – communities across the province facing similar barriers.”    

The RSADVTP is the only program in the region offering forensic evidence collection. Sexual assault nurse examiners at St. Joseph’s are specially trained above a nursing scope to provide forensic evidence collection and expertise as a witness in any case that goes to court. Oxford residents who choose the option of forensic evidence collection will need to be seen at the RSADVTP but can transfer to the OCCHC for their follow-up care. 

Have you experienced sexual assault?

The Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London provides care in the region for women, children and men who have experienced sexual assault/sexual abuse and/or domestic violence. A team of specialized nurses, doctors and social workers are available 24/7 to provide numerous care options to individuals of all ages, sexual orientation or gender identity. Learn more.