photo by free medical help
St. Joseph hospital have partner with London police human trafficking unit and created the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (RSADVTP). This collaboration first took place in march of 2017, located at St.Joseph hospital. they provided examination, testing, and medical and psychological care for victims rescued by the police and those who have been sexually assaulted.
A team of specialized nurses, doctors and social workers are available 24/7 to provide care. Treatment that are provided are complete, but at the same time respecting the wishes of the survivors and making sure that they don’t get re-traumatized. Those treatment included, assessment and care for medical and physical needs, the collection of forensic evidence and providing reassurance and a safe place for victims to share their story, follow-up care and many more. For the victims who aren’t comfortable going to the police station for their statement, the RSADVTP team have an interview space with in for the victims.
“My goal coming into this program was looking at how we can have a bare impact on the community on how it’s being seen and giving them support them thought initial process and have a place to come Back to” says Cassandra fisher, coordinator of the RSADVTP.
The RSADVTP team also conducts research and provides education to high-risk groups, professional partners in care, and faculty and students at Western University.