Provided specialized sexual assault care closer to home through partnership

Victims of sexual assault in Oxford County can now receive expert follow-up care close to home instead of having to travel to London.

As part of an innovative partnership between the Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) and St. Joseph’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (RSADVTP) Oxford County patients seeking care after a sexual assault can receive follow-up care in their community. This service is available for those who had their initial care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London as well as those who have not started their care journey. The RSADVTP provides consultation services to OCCHC for these patients, addressing long-standing barriers to care for sexual assault survivors in Oxford County. The OCCHC serves as an extension of select services typically only provided at the RSADVTP with care provided by nurses, doctors and social workers. This initiative has built regional capacity for trauma-informed, specialized care to be provided close to home where people feel safest. Those coming for care are offered to be followed medically, psychologically, emotionally and/or spiritually for six months post an assault.