The Ontario Network of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres “Find a centre” page is a directory that helps people locate specialized treatment centres across Ontario. These centres are designed to support people who may have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, or related trauma and need medical care, forensic services, emotional support, and referrals.

When someone is in crisis, the hardest part is often figuring out where to go, who to call, and what kind of help is available. A clear directory can reduce that burden by making it easier to find a nearby centre that understands trauma and can respond with care.

This matters because survivors may need help with:

• urgent medical attention
• documentation of injuries
• sexual assault forensic exams, if they choose
• safety planning
• referrals to counselling, shelters, legal supports, and community services
• support after domestic violence, even if the person is unsure what to call it

For many people, a specialized centre can be a first step toward feeling safer and less alone.

This resource may be helpful for:

• people who have recently experienced sexual assault or domestic violence
• people who are unsure whether what happened “counts” as abuse
• people who want medical care without having to explain everything repeatedly
• family members, friends, advocates, and service providers helping someone find support
• people in rural or smaller communities who need to locate the nearest available centre

It may also be useful for people who are not ready to report to police but still want care, information, or options.

Services vary by location, but a centre may provide:

• trauma-informed medical assessment
• treatment for injuries or health concerns
• pregnancy and STI-related care, when relevant
• forensic evidence collection, if the person wants it and it is available
• crisis support and emotional grounding
• referrals to counselling, shelters, housing, legal aid, and victim services
• help understanding options without pressure to make immediate decisions

You do not have to have a police report to ask for help at many centres. If you are unsure, you can call and ask what services are available before going.

If you are in Ontario and think a treatment centre may help, here are gentle next steps:

1. Use the directory to find the nearest centre. Look for a location that is closest, easiest to reach, or attached to a hospital if you need medical care.

2. Call ahead if you can. Ask:

   • What services do you provide?
   • Do I need an appointment?
   • Can I come without police involvement?
   • What should I bring?
   • Is there a private entrance or after-hours process?

3. Bring support if it feels safe. A trusted friend, family member, advocate, or shelter worker may help with transportation, notes, or emotional support.

4. If you may have evidence you want preserved, avoid changing clothes or bathing first if possible. This is only if it is safe and realistic for you. Your safety and comfort matter more than preserving evidence.

5. Write down what you remember, if you want to. Even a few notes about dates, injuries, or concerns can help later. You do not need to do this if it feels overwhelming.

6. Ask about follow-up care. A centre may connect you to counselling, safety planning, or other services after the first visit.

• Your safety comes first. If contacting a centre could increase risk, use a safer phone, device, or time.
• If someone is monitoring your phone, browser history, or location, consider using a trusted device or clearing your history if that is safe for you.
• If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services now.
• If you are not ready to speak, you can ask a trusted person or advocate to contact the centre for you.
• You are allowed to take things one step at a time. You do not need to decide everything today.

Many people hesitate because they are not sure whether what happened was “serious enough,” whether they will be believed, or whether they are ready to talk. You do not need to have perfect words or a clear label for your experience to deserve support.

If something happened that left you scared, hurt, controlled, pressured, or unsafe, it is reasonable to reach out.

The directory itself is a resource page, not a news announcement, so it does not describe a new policy change or emergency alert. Availability, hours, and services may vary by centre, and some locations may have different intake processes or wait times.

Because the published date is unknown, it is best to confirm details directly with the centre you plan to contact. If you are helping someone else, checking the current listing before traveling can save time and reduce stress.

• Use the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres directory to find a local centre.
• If you need immediate danger response, call emergency services.
• If you need emotional support, safety planning, or help deciding what to do next, a local sexual assault centre, domestic violence shelter, crisis line, or trusted advocate may help you think through options.

You deserve care that is respectful, private, and free of pressure. Reaching out for help is a strong and valid step, even if you are still unsure what comes next.