Québec Sexual Assault Help Centres (CALACS): How to Find Support and What It Means for Survivors

# What this resource is The **Regroupement québécois des centres d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel (RQCALACS)** is a network that helps people find **CALACS**—sexual assault help centres across Québec. The “trouver un CALACS” page is a directory-style resource that can help survivors, family members, and allies locate local support. ## Why this matters If you are trying to get help after sexual violence, the hardest part is often the first step: figuring out **where to go, who to trust, and what to say**. A directory like this can reduce that burden by connecting you to a nearby centre that understands sexual assault, trauma, and crisis support. This matters because: - It can help you find **free or low-cost specialized support**. - It may connect you with **counselling, advocacy, information, and accompaniment**. - It can be a starting point if you are not ready to report to police or make a formal complaint. - It can help allies support someone without having to search alone. ## Who may be impacted This resource may be useful for: - Survivors of sexual assault or sexual violence - People who are unsure whether what happened “counts” as assault - People who experienced recent or past violence and are feeling triggered now - Family members, friends, and support people looking for local services - People who want confidential support before deciding on next steps ## What CALACS services often include Each centre is different, but sexual assault help centres commonly offer: - Emotional support and crisis listening - Information about consent, trauma, and options - Individual or group counselling - Help with safety planning - Support navigating medical, legal, school, or workplace systems - Accompaniment to appointments or reporting processes, depending on the centre - Referrals to other local services You do **not** need to have everything figured out before reaching out. ## Practical steps if you want help If you are in a stressful or unsafe situation, keep the next step as small as possible. ### 1) Open the directory when you feel ready Use the RQCALACS “trouver un CALACS” page to look for a centre near you. If browsing feels overwhelming, ask someone you trust to help you search. ### 2) Choose the easiest contact method If a phone call feels too hard, look for: - Email - Online contact form - Drop-in hours - A general information line You can also prepare a short message such as: > “Bonjour, I’m looking for support after sexual violence and would like to know what services you offer and how to make an appointment.” ### 3) Ask only the questions you need You may want to ask: - Is your service confidential? - Do you offer support in my language? - Is there a waitlist? - Do you offer virtual or in-person appointments? - Can I bring someone with me? - What happens in the first appointment? ### 4) Bring notes if that helps If speaking is difficult, write down: - What you want help with - Any immediate safety concerns - Questions you want answered - Whether you want counselling, information, or accompaniment ### 5) Go at your own pace You can stop, pause, or change your mind. Reaching out for information does not obligate you to report, disclose everything, or continue if it does not feel right. ## Safety reminders If you are currently in danger, prioritize immediate safety over searching for services. - If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services in your area right away. - If using a shared device, consider clearing your browser history or using a safer device if that would protect you. - If the person who harmed you monitors your phone, email, or location, be careful about calls, messages, and saved contacts. - If it is safer, use a trusted friend’s phone or a public/private space away from the person. - If you are unsure what is safe, a local sexual assault centre can often help you think through options without pressure. ## If you are not ready to contact a centre That is okay. You can still: - Save the directory for later - Ask a trusted person to hold the information for you - Write down the name of the nearest centre - Focus on immediate grounding and safety first ## If you are supporting someone else You do not need the perfect words. Helpful support often sounds like: - “I believe you.” - “You do not have to decide everything today.” - “I can help you look up a centre if you want.” - “We can go slowly.” Try to avoid pushing for details, decisions, or reporting. Let the survivor lead. ## Important uncertainties This update appears to be a **resource directory**, not a news alert about a specific incident. The exact services, hours, eligibility, and language options may vary by centre and may change over time. Because the source page is a directory, it is best to confirm: - Current contact details - Availability and wait times - Whether services are offered in your preferred language - Whether the centre can support your specific situation ## Bottom line The RQCALACS “find a CALACS” resource can make it easier to locate specialized sexual assault support in Québec. If you are seeking help, you deserve care that is calm, confidential, and paced around your needs—not pressure. ## If you need immediate support If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services now. If you are safe enough to do so, use the CALACS directory to find a local centre and take the next step at your own pace.