If you have been impacted by sexual violence, you are not alone and there is help available. It's okay to reach out for support, whether through friends, a sexual assault crisis center, or a counselor or therapist.
Campus Supports
Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre
The Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre is located in the newly renovated Kehoe Forum, across from CBU’s residences.
The Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre is a collaborative health care centre with nurses (including a mental health nurse), physicians and counsellors on site working together to meet the needs of our patients. Collaborative care means working together. When you call the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre, a nurse will do an assessment then assist you with a plan of care and next steps.
Address: 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS
Telephone: 902-563-1359
Email: healthservices@cbu.ca
Community-Based Sexual Assault Services
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in medical forensic care for patients who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. Delivered through contracted service providers, on-call SANE nurses provide immediate care within seven days of a sexual assault to people who would like supportive care, including medical attention, information about resources, as well as the option to have forensic evidence collected.
Note: prepubescent medical forensic SANE response may be provided within three days of suspected sexual abuse, in collaboration with the IWK team. Contact the Avalon SANE Program, the IWK Suspected Trauma and Abuse Response Team (START) or IWK emergency department for more information, including response information.
The SANE program provides response, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers the following options:
Supportive Care
Medical examination
Forensic examination
Expert testimony in a court of law, if requested by the court
Collection and storage of forensic evidence (up to six months) if the victim/survivor is unable or not ready to proceed with a police investigation immediately but would like to consider the option to do so later
Follow-up instructions
Telephone response line for immediate sexual assault
information and support (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
Information about community resources for help with aftercare
Call the SANE 24 hour response line for this area at 1-877-880-SANE (7263)
Visit the SANE website here
Where to get a Medical or Forensic Exam
SANE services are supportive, nonjudgmental and confidential. SANE care can be provided to you by doing one of the following:
Go to any open emergency department. At those centres where SANE Program response is provided, the staff will call the SANE. At other locations, staff will coordinate care or provide information regarding nearest SANE response site.
Call local police or RCMP
Through your primary health care provider
Call the SANE 24 hour response line for this area at 1-877-880-SANE (7263)
Visit the SANE website for a list of medical providers/hospitals
Cape Breton Regional Hospital
SANE services are supportive, nonjudgmental and confidential. SANE care can be provided to you by doing one of the following:
Call local police or RCMP
Through your primary health care provider
SANE 24 hour response lines: Annapolis Valley, South Shore and Tri County areas: 1-833-577-SANE (7263); Halifax area: 902-425-0122; Guysborough, Antigonish, Pictou and Richmond Counties: 1-877-880-SANE(7263); Sydney and greater Cape Breton areas: 1-844-858-8036; Cumberland, Colchester East Hants and Eastern Shore areas: 1-833-757-SANE (7263).
Emergency Department:
1482 George St Sydney, NS
Telephone: 902-567-8000
Toll Free Number: 1-844-858-8036
You can have a support person of your choice such as a friend, family member, or Advocate accompany you throughout the medical care process.
Why is it important to get medical care after a sexual assault?
Even if you don't seem to be physically injured, it is strongly encouraged to seek medical attention following a sexual assault. A medical practitioner can address concerns around:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Pregnancy and emergency contraception
Other forms of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
You may want to have a forensic exam done to gather evidence for the purpose of a criminal investigation. You can still access medical care without involving the police.