Vaughan/Richmond Hill, ON – York Regional Police and Mackenzie Health’s Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault (DASA) Care Centre have partnered to launch an initiative to provide patients who experience sexual assault or domestic violence with a less stressful and more efficient level of service and care.
Thanks to funding provided to York Regional Police by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General through the Civil Remedies Grant Program, and the donated use of space by Mackenzie Health, patients who have experienced a sexual assault or domestic assault who arrive at Mackenzie Health’s Emergency Department for treatment of their injuries now have the option to have a formal interview with York Regional Police at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. Investigators can now speak with patients who have experienced an assault and any persons who may have witnessed the assault in comforting surroundings, while a second investigator records the process on video and takes notes from an adjoining room.
“Prior to these rooms being open, victims were required to attend a police station after being treated at hospital,” said York Regional Police Sexual Assault Unit Detective Sergeant Randy Slade. “This had the potential to cause victims ongoing trauma and deter them from continuing with criminal proceedings or medical treatment. The interview and monitor rooms provide the best evidence gathering capabilities, streamline the process and reduce trauma and stress that results from changing locations.”
Ontarians who experience sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking or criminal harassment and come to a hospital emergency department have the right to receive the best possible care available. Mackenzie Health’s DASA staff are registered nurses who are specially trained in forensics and trauma related to abuse and assault. They serve individuals and families who have experienced criminal harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic assault by treating and documenting injuries, conducting risk assessments and preparing safety plans.
“Our staff address the medical, emotional and forensic needs of our patients in a confidential, safe and non-judgmental manner. Mackenzie Health is proud to now be able to offer an expanded collaborative service with York Regional Police in a new ‘soft’ interview room where patients will be able to give a statement to police without having to leave the hospital,” said Frances Reinholdt, Operations Director, Emergency Department/Medicine/Critical Care/Patient Flow/District Stroke Centre, Mackenzie Health.
Funding for the monitoring equipment, the soundproofing and furnishing of the rooms was provided by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General through the Civil Remedies Grant Program. These grants help law enforcement agencies across Ontario establish programs that help victims and reduce unlawful activity that leads to victimization.
“This is a great example of government, health care and law enforcement working together to help people in York Region in a time of distress,” Attorney General John Gerretsen said. “I am pleased that the grant program under the Civil Remedies Act has made this valuable initiative possible.”
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