Sex assault survivors in Oxford County no longer need to travel to London for follow-up care

A new partnership will allow sexual assault survivors in Oxford County to receive follow-up care from doctors, nurses and social workers close to home, instead of in London, Ont.

Specialized care for survivors of sexual assault in Oxford County will now be available closer to home, thanks to a unique partnership that will see specially-trained staff in London, Ont., provide consultation services to Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) staff.

The partnership between OCCHC and the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (RSADVTP) of St. Joseph’s Health Care London is described by the two as “the first agreement of its kind in the province.”

It means sexual assault survivors can receive treatment for injuries, testing for sexually transmitted infections and other follow-up care at OCCHC’s main office in Woodstock instead of having to travel to London.

However, Oxford County residents who choose to have forensic evidence collected will still need to go to London initially as the RSADVTP, which serves Oxford, Elgin, Huron-Perth and Middlesex counties, is “the only program in the region that offers forensic evidence collection.”

Oxford County residents who have evidence collected can transfer their care to OCCHC afterward.

“Disclosing sexual assault or domestic violence is extremely difficult and often frightening,” said RSADVTP coordinator s Cassandra Fisher.

“Forging partnerships with organizations like the OCCHC builds capacity in our region, allows trauma-informed, specialized care to be provided close to home where people feel the most safe, and opens another door to ensure survivors receive the support they need.”

Fisher added that anyone who enters the program is offered follow-up care for six months post-assault.