Sexual & Domestic Violence Services (SDVS) – Ka Naad Maa Go provides wraparound, confidential care for individuals who have experienced sexual and/or domestic violence at any time in their lives. We offer services to people ages 12 and over* of all gender identities. Services are available to the indigenous and non-indigenous populations across the District of Manitoulin Island.
*For services relating to child maltreatment pertaining to children under 12 years, please contact your local child protection agency or attend the Manitoulin Health Centre. You may be referred to Health Sciences North-Violence Intervention & Prevention Program that specializes in responding to victims of child maltreatment.
Sexual & Domestic Violence Services – Kaa Naad Maa Go is the first community-based program of its kind. It is a member of the Ontario Network of Sexual and Domestic Violence Treatment Programs along with 36 other programs in Ontario. One of four programs situated in all of Northern Ontario. We support survivors at every stage of the healing journey using a holistic approach to well-being while incorporating traditional Indigenous ways of knowing and healing.
Our team consists of Nurse Examiners (Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses), a Cultural Support Worker and a Social Worker, who provides supportive counselling and psychotherapy. These providers specialize in providing services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
All services offered through Sexual & Domestic Violence Services – Ka Naad Maa Go are at no cost to you.
“Kaa naad maa go” in the Ojibwa language translates to “We will help you”. To us, helping means that we will hear you, we will believe you, and we will support you.
Confidentiality is our absolute priority. Your privacy will be respected and maintained at every encounter. Whether or not you wish to involve the police is up to you. Our team will work with you to create a plan that best fits your needs.
Please note: There are limitations to confidentiality. In order to maintain client and community safety, health care providers are required by law to disclose certain information, as pursuant to PHIPPA, 2019.
What to Expect
If you have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence and require immediate medical care, first visit the Emergency Department at one of the below locations.
Manitoulin Health Centre – Little Current Hospital (Open 24 hours)
11 Meredith St East Little Current, ON P0P1K0, 705-368-2300
Manitoulin Health Centre – Mindemoya Hospital (Open 24 hours)
2120B Hwy 551 Mindemoya, ON P0P1S0, 705-377-5377
At either of these locations, you will work with a health care provider to identify your care needs.
You have the power to decide what is right for you. With your consent, a specially trained Nurse Examiner from the SDVS program will be contacted. The SDVS nurse examiner will attend the hospital to complete a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Examination. This may include:
- Crisis intervention/emotional support
- Testing and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – This includes HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Emergency contraceptive options (i.e. “morning after pill”)
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Referrals to community agencies for additional support
If you choose to involve the police, some of this information may be released for evidence and analysis.
- Forensic evidence collection including the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit
- Assessment and documentation (including photographs) of injuries related to the assault.
During this process, you can withdraw your consent at any time.
After your initial consultation with a specially trained nurse, you may choose to access follow-up care.
- Follow up on emotional, physical, spiritual and/or mental well being
- Review and re-assess your safety and make appropriate changes to your safety plan
- Re-document injuries that may be more apparent
- Re-assess your symptoms related to the assault
- Inform you of any test results; perform repeat tests if necessary
- Follow up on HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
- This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and address any further concerns
Anishinabek Cultural Support Services
Cultural Support Services are provided to individuals, families and groups. Rooted in the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Love, Respect, Truth and Wisdom, our team provides holistic health and healing of the Anishinabek in mind.
- Traditional teachings (healthy relationships, Medicine Wheel)
- Ceremonies and protocol teaching (cedar baths, ribbon skirt making, etc.)
- Healing/talking circles
- Trauma and grief
- One-on-one cultural support
- Referrals to Traditional Healers and networking to other Health Care Providers
- Community engagement and presentations sessions
Counselling services
Individuals who experience sexual assault and/or domestic violence often seek mental health support to manage impacts associated with the type of violence. The counselling service at SDVS Ka Naa Maad Go provides holistic care, focusing on your individual needs. You will have the opportunity to work with a Social Worker to create a care plan, which may include:
- General supportive counselling (focus on safety and stabilization)
- Structured psychotherapy
- Safety planning
- Psycho education
- Collaboration with community services
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact with another person without their consent. Sexual assault violates the sexual integrity of the victim/survivor.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence, otherwise known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)) is violence committed by a current or former intimate partner. It is not limited to violence occurring in a home or domestic setting. Domestic violence uses domination, threat and control to dictate another person’s autonomy; it violates an individual’s right to live life peacefully. It can be physical, emotional, verbal, financial and/or social. Domestic violence can include:
- Hitting, kicking, punching, choking, slapping, holding
- Isolating you from friends and family members
- Demanding to know your whereabouts; control your travel and daily activities
- Threatening to harm you, family members, children, pets or property
- Using electronic devices to harass and/or control you
- Threatening suicide or self-harm
- Withholding money, controlling the way you spend money
Domestic violence is not limited to women. All genders can experience sexual assault/domestic violence. All genders can commit sexual assault/domestic violence. Sexual assault and domestic violence are against the law and punishable by the Criminal Code of Canada.
What might I feel after violence/assault?
If you have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people of all genders experience these types of violence, and there is a community of people available to support you. Here is a list of common impacts of trauma related to sexual assault/domestic violence.
- Change in beliefs about self (who am I?), others (are they trustworthy?), or the world (is it safe?)
- Anxiety/panic
- Nightmares and other sleep disturbance
- Flashbacks/intrusive imagery
- Difficulty with consensual sexual activity
- Loss of interest in things that previously brought you joy
- Anger
- Self-blame/shame/guilt
Remember that violence is not your fault.
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