Our Services & Approach:
The Sexual Assault Services team provides sensitive and comprehensive health care and support to anyone 13+ who has been sexually assaulted within the past 7 days. Our specially trained nurses and doctors will respond to your health care needs in a safe and supportive environment. All services are free, confidential and inclusive.
How To Access SAS Services:
NELSON: To access our program, 24/7 & 7 days a week, in Nelson go to: Kootenay Lake Hospital Emergency Department, 3 View Street.
NAKUSP: To access our program 24/7 & 7 days a week, in Nakusp go to: Arrow Lakes Hospital Emergency Department, 97 1 Ave NE.
ANTI-VIOLENCE LINE: OR connect with a local support worker 24/7 by calling our Anti-Violence Line to find out more about our services and your options, call 1-250-354-4357.
We will explain what we can offer and answer any questions you might have. You will decide what you would like us to do and we will respect your decisions. You do not need to involve the police unless you wish to do so. There are several reporting options available to you that we can help explain.
24/7 Anti-Violence Line:
Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, ages 13+, and their supports, can reach out to us 24/7 to receive:
- Emotional Support.
- Information about sexual and physical assault, medical and forensic procedures, reporting options, and legal options.
- Information and referrals to other community supports and services.
- Information on follow-up counselling and justice.
Call 24/7: 250-354-4357
Secure Text + Chat is available 7 days a week, 8:30am to midnight:
TXT: 778-608-3900 | Online Chat: servicesfyi.ca/abth-chat-now
Provided with the partnership and support of Aimee Beaulieu Transition House.
Crisis Counselling:
Survivors can access Crisis Counselling if the assault was in the last 2 years or if there have been new developments in the area of reporting or a criminal case. Email Cheryl at csmith@servicesfyi.ca or call (250) 509-1247.
Facilitated Support Circle for Survivors:
Survivors of Sexual Assault are welcome to join Cheryl Smith (RPC, SEP) and Marissa Tonus (RTC) at Nelson Community Services for a circle of healing for survivors. We understand that healing from Sexual Assault is a complex process with no ‘one size fits all’ roadmap to healing. This circle is a place where survivors can come to be together as we nurture our own selves, while not being alone in the process.
The circle will be meeting once a month, on the third Tuesday of the month,
February 18th, March 18th, April 15th
From 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Participants are welcome to attend one, all, or any number of sessions that they would like.
This group is always FREE of charge and open to ALL SURVIVORS, regardless of the when experience of sexual assault took place.
Please contact Marissa or Cheryl to be added to the list of attendees and to receive the downtown location of the circles.
Marissa Tonus (RTC, Relational Somatic Therapist): mtonus@servicesfyi.ca
Cheryl Smith (RPC, SEP): csmith@servicesfyi.ca – 250-352-3504 ext. 227
Education & Awareness:
SAS is dedicated to prevention through education and raising awareness. Our staff is available to present to various agencies, schools and groups on a variety of topics pertaining to sexual assault including consent and receiving disclosures. Contact Cheryl Smith Sexual Assault Services Project Coordinator, at csmith@servicesfyi.ca to find out more.
Stay Connected:
Sexual Assault Services is on Instagram + Facebook. Our intention is to use these spaces to educate community, validate survivors, share information about our services, & inspire action to address the root causes of violence. We invite you to give us a follow @sas.nelson.nakusp to stay connected.
SAS Materials & Resources:
SAS has a variety of materials available. We warmly welcome our community and partners to print our posters for your location – to let survivors know they are supported and how to access support. We also have brochures and postcards, check them out below. To enquire about professionally printed copies, please contact Cheryl at csmith@servicesfyi.ca
SAS Posters:
SAS Pamphlet & Post Card:
