Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, we can help.

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence comes in many forms, including:

  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual abuse
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sex trafficking
  • Forced sexual acts
  • Forced exposure to sexual conduct
  • Coerced sexual behaviour
  • Childhood sexual abuse
  • Forced exposure to sexual information
  • Discrimination based on gender
  • Sexual intimidation, threats and fear
  • Sexual abuse as a part of domestic violence

What is the definition of consent?

Consent is informed, freely given, coherent, ongoing, sober, enthusiastic, specific, essential, comfortable, clear, active, reversible or changeable, and based on equal power.

The Effects of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a traumatic violation of the body, mind and spirit. Each person reacts in a unique way to sexual violence. There is no right or wrong way to cope or feel after experiencing sexual violence.

Some of the common effect include:

Physical

  • Sleeping and eating difficulties
  • Injuries sustained during the assault
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Pregnancy
  • Permanent disability
  • Body flashbacks

Emotional/Psychological

  • Anxiety, depression, shame, anger/rage, fear
  • Low self-esteem, shock, disbelief
  • Feeling unclean or dirty
  • Restlessness, guilt, embarrassment
  • Confusion, unable to focus, feeling withdrawn
  • Feeling disconnected from self and others
  • Feeling powerless and helpless
  • Flashbacks of the violence
  • Intrusive memories
  • Feeling frozen or numb
  • Feelings of loss
  • Erratic mood swings
  • Hyper-alertness or vigilance
  • Lack of trust

Eligibility:

You can access support through OSAS if you:

  • Live in Oxford County
  • Are 16 years of age or older
  • Identify as a woman
  • Have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any time in your life

How can I get help?

Support is available by phone, virtually or in person at the Oxford County Community Health Centre in Woodstock and Tillsonburg.

What can I expect?

You can expect a call, email or text back at your preferred contact method within a week of reaching out. From there, your needs will be assessed to determine what supports will help you achieve your goals. This is different for everyone. You will work with your sexual assault therapist to make a plan that is unique to you.

Services are free of charge and completely confidential.

What services does OSAS provide?

  • Counselling and/or psychotherapy
  • Support with navigating systems (police, courts, evidence collection, aftercare, etc.)
  • Education / understanding the impacts of trauma
  • Emotional support
  • Safety planning and risk management
  • STI testing and follow-up care

A note about evidence collection, STI testing and follow-up care:

If you’re the victim of a recent sexual assault, you have the option to complete a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit. The SAEK can be helpful if you are thinking about pursuing Criminal Charges now, or at any time in the future. The SAEK needs to be completed as soon as possible after a sexual assault (typically within 2 weeks). St. Joseph’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre in London can support you through this process.

Your first STI testing and follow-up care appointment will typically occur at St. Joseph’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre in London.

After you have attended St. Joseph’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, you have the option to transfer your care back to Oxford County. The Nurses and Physicians at our Centre can provide STI testing, ongoing documentation and treatment of injuries.

Contact OSAS

Office Phone: 519.539.1111 x270

Cell Phone: 226.232.6149 (call or text)

Email: osas@oxchc.ca

Please note, OSAS is not an urgent or crisis service.

For 24/7 crisis support outside of OSAS business hours, contact our partners:

St. Joseph’s Regional Treatment Centre, London, ON:

  • For urgent or immediate healthcare needs, including: evidence collection, forensics, treatment or documentation of injuries
  • Call 24/7:

(519) 646-6100 x 64224

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford:

  • For emotional support, or safety planning
  • If you are in crisis
  • Call 24/7:

519-539-4811 24/7 Crisis and Information Helpline

https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program