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KAWARTHA
SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTRE
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411
Water Street, Suite 102
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Peterborough,
Ontario K9H 3L9
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Business
Line (705) 748- 5901 Fax: (705) 741- 0405
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Office
Hours Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
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SEXUAL
ASSAULT LEGAL KIT
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Introduction
to the Legal Kit
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| This kit has been put together to empower you by giving you information about the legal process as it relates to sexual assault. It will tell you about the police and court process that you may go through as a survivor of sexual assault. It is very important for you to be able to choose what you would like to do. By having some idea about how the legal process works, you are in a better position to choose what is right for you. If you choose not to go through the legal system, you can still receive support from the sexual assault response team at the hospital and/or from your local sexual assault centre. | |||||||||||||
| But first, let's talk about what sexual assault is. Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual act forced upon one person by another. Kissing, fondling, sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral sex are all examples of sexual assault, if done without your consent. | |||||||||||||
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You have the right
to refuse any sexual act suggested by anyone, including your partner.
You have been sexually assaulted if you were forced into any sexual activity
that you did not want, if you felt terrified for your safety and did not
say anything, or if you put up a fight and then stopped.
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| It is important to know that if you are sexually assaulted, it is most likely to be by someone you know. In fact, a woman is four times more likely to be sexually assaulted by someone she knows than by someone she doesn't. Over half of the sexual assaults take place within a marriage, on a date, or with a partner. | |
| Sexual assault is a crime of violence that deeply violates and hurts us. Whatever happens during the process and whatever you choose to do, try to remember that someone hurt you and that is wrong. Sexual assault is a crime. You are not to blame for what happened to you. And there are medical and legal steps you can take if you have been assaulted. | |
| The information in this kit can help you through a difficult time, but it is by no means complete. There are many people trained to talk to you who can help you even more. After reading this kit, you may want to contact: | |
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sexual assault centre; |
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womens centre; |
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social worker; |
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the victims' assistance officer or social worker with your local police force; |
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a distress telephone line; |
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lawyer; |
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mental health centre; |
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your family doctor. |
| If you decide to go through the criminal justice system, be kind to yourself. Bring someone to court who can give you moral support while you are in the witness box. A sexual assault centre counsellor or volunteer, a social worker, and/or a relative or friend can go to court with you. Bring friends to talk with even if you do not want them in the courtroom. Bring something to read, eat, and drink. Do whatever you need to make yourself comfortable. | |
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© Kawartha
Sexual Assault Centre 2001 - 2004 All rights reserved
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