Manitoba creates new program to help victims of sexual assault

The Government of Manitoba announced a new program aimed at helping survivors of sexual assaults within the province.

The province is providing $1.3 million to support the newly created Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Response Program, which will be available at the Klinic Community Health or Ka Ni Kanichihk.

Through the new program, survivors will be able to see a specialized nurse examiner and receive wraparound supports at the clinic. In addition, funding will also allow for forensic nursing services.

“Survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence should be able to access trauma-informed, culturally specific care in their communities,” said Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine. “This program will make it possible for survivors to access a specially trained nurse outside of a hospital setting and get immediate and ongoing supports from clinicians, knowledge-keepers, counsellors, elders, and others.”

Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara also noted the program supports the province’s commitment to create a provincial Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) strategy to improve access to care, especially in rural and northern communities.

“Offering this essential care in a community setting will help better ensure survivors have access to care that meets their needs,” said Asagwara. “These programs are important examples of the positive difference community-based and patient-centred care can make.”

The province says Klinic provides a full range of health-related services, which includes a 24/7 sexual assault crisis line, advocates, and Indigenous cultural support. More information on supports offered by Klinic can be found here or by calling 204-784-4090.

“We have been fortunate to hear from and collaborate with many folks in the community to support the development of this program,” says Ayn Wilcox, executive director, Klinic Community Health.

“The expertise and experience that both Ka Ni Kanichihk and Klinic Community Health bring to support survivors of sexualized violence ensures we can provide more options for support when people need it most.”

Ka Ni Kanichihk provides access to Indigenous-led, culturally safe supports, which include healing ceremonies, support from knowledge keepers, aunties and kookums. More information can be found by calling 204-953-5820.

“It is critical to have Indigenous-led, culturally safe, community-based services for the women that are most impacted by sexual assault and intimate partner violence,” said Dodie Jordaan, executive director, Ka Ni Kanichihk.

“Giving choice of access to services to survivors is an important part of the healing journey. Ka Ni Kanichihk has a history of supporting survivors though our Heart Medicine Lodge 12-Week Healing Program and we remain committed to delivering this service in a way that honours the voices of survivors.”

Manitobans impacted by sexual violence can also call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line in Winnipeg at 204-786-8631 or toll-free throughout Manitoba at 1-888-292-7565.