Supports for Victims of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a serious issue, and it is never the victim’s fault when it happens. Manitoba Justice Victim Services provides support to victims of sexual assault throughout the court process via the Victim Rights Support Service (VRSS). There are also many community supports that victims can access, even if a criminal charge has not been laid.
Victim Services Supports
Victims of sexual assault who live in rental housing are able to terminate their residential lease if they feel unsafe continuing to live in their home. To learn more about this process, visit the Ending a Tenancy page
Protective Orders
Protection and prevention orders are legal tools that can help you stay safe. These court orders often impose conditions on the subject (the person you want to be protected from) that forbid them from activities like visiting your work, school, or any place you might normally be, and from contacting you. To learn more about protection and prevention orders, and how to apply, visit the Protective Orders page.
Compensation
The Compensation for Victims of Crime Program provides compensation to victims who suffer personal injury, hardships or expenses as a result of certain crimes. Learn more about the Compensation for Victims of Crime Program.
Victim Impact Statements
Victims of crime have a right to tell the court, through a victim impact statement (VIS), how the crime has affected them physically, emotionally and financially. Learn more about victim impact statements.
Staying Safe
You deserve to feel safe, whether or not you choose to report a sexual assault to the police. A safety plan can help you know what to do if you feel that you are in danger and need to act quickly. To learn more about safety plans, visit the Staying Safe page.
Other Supports
To learn more about sexual assault and other resources that can help if you or someone you know may have been sexually assaulted, visit the page, You Are Not Alone.
You can also contact:
- Klinic’s Sexual Assault Crisis line at 1-888-292-7565
- Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Heart Medicine Lodge at 204-953-5820
- Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre (Interlake) at 204-753-5353
You Have Options: Help After Sexual Assault
Manitoba Justice Victim Services is undertaking a project to deliver training, information and education on the topic of sexual violence. The goal of the project is to help all Manitobans become better informed about sexual assault and how to best support survivors.
As part of the project, a new brochure is available called You Have Options: Help After Sexual Assault. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, you may be wondering what to do next, such as reporting the assault to police. You may also be unsure about what will happen if you do report the assault.
This brochure will answer those questions and help you:
- recognize and understand sexual assault
- know your rights
- understand the criminal justice system, including making a police report and going to court
- stay safe
- know your options
- get counselling, support and healing
In addition to English, the brochure is available in the following languages: