Visiting a Sexual Assault Resource Centre - Go Thrive Go

December 5, 2023 Dec 05, 2023 3 min read

What to Expect When Visiting a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resource Centre

Before visiting a domestic violence or sexual assault resource centre, look over this short list to inform yourself of what to expect.

To find a crisis centre, advocacy organization, or other victim services facility near you, use the Go Thrive Go search tool (Canada only).

Opening hours vary

Check the centre’s opening hours before you go. While some domestic violence and sexual assault resource centres maintain long hours, others may only be open a few days a week.

You might have to be let in by a staff member

To maintain safety and security, some domestic violence and sexual assault resource centres keep their buildings locked at all times. To be let in, you may have to ring a bell or press a buzzer and wait for someone to escort you inside.

You might have to wait

Depending on how busy the centre is, you may have to sit in the waiting room for a while before someone can meet with you. Similar to a therapist’s office, these centres typically have comfortable waiting rooms furnished with magazines, toys for children, etc.

Let’s stay in touch

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Your children are welcome

Don’t hesitate to bring your kids with you. Domestic violence and sexual assault resource centres are designed to support victims and survivors of all ages, and many of them even have playrooms and other resources for children.

A social worker or advocate will meet with you to assess your needs

Once the wait is over, you will meet privately with a social worker or trained advocate. During this meeting, the advocate will ask you some questions about your situation to determine what kind of support you need. These conversations often feel warm, supportive, compassionate, and non-judgmental.

The social worker or advocate will help you make a plan

Depending on your needs and goals, the advocate you speak with will help you come up with a plan. This could be as simple as helping you find a childcare solution or a private cell phone, or helping connect you with a legal advocate to begin the process of separating from a partner. Whatever you need, your advocate will help you decide how best to accomplish your goals.

Social workers and advocates want to help you help yourself

One thing social workers are trained to remember when working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is that victims don’t need rescuers – they need help cultivating the skills and strength necessary to better their own circumstances. Instead of saving you, your social worker or advocate will empower you to save yourself.

What you share will be kept confidential

Nothing you share with a social worker or advocate will be used in any way you don’t consent to. Social workers do not report information about domestic violence or sexual assault to the police unless the victim expressly requests help reporting or pressing charges. While a file will likely be created to keep track of your meetings and progress, this information will be kept private.

The only exception to this is if you share information indicating that any children in your life are experiencing abuse. If so, the advocate you speak with will be legally obligated to report this information to the authorities.