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Sexual Violence New Brunswick provides a safe and supportive space for survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse. We offer both individual and group counselling to survivors of sexual violence.
In addition to our counselling services, we offer a sexual violence support line that is staffed by well-trained volunteers.
Go somewhere you feel secure and protected. Phone the police if you think you’re still in danger or at risk. If possible, call someone you trust and ask them if they can be with you.
If you have experienced a sexual assault, you may have internal or external injuries. There may also be some risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. A volunteer can accompany you to the hospital where a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner can provide specialized care and also gather forensic evidence if you are reporting the assault to police. You do not need to report to police to receive specialize care from the hospital team.
Sexual assault is a traumatic, deeply personal experience. There is no right or wrong way to feel or to respond. Reactions can be physcal, emotional, mental or spiritual — or any combination of them.
Try talking to someone. The hours immediately after a sexual assault are very confusing, and making decisions is difficult. You don’t have to cope with your experience alone. Being able to talk to someone you trust, such as a relative, friend, teacher, counsellor or sexual assault support volunteer, can be an important step in your process of recovery.
Sometimes people who have been sexually assaulted feel as though it is their fault or that they contributed to their assault. Sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor. It does not matter who you were with, what you were doing or where you were. Sexual Violence New Brunswick is here to help you through this difficult time.
There is no right or wrong answer about reporting what has happened to the police, only what the right choice is for you. You might not feel like doing it right now, but you may want to later on.
Telling the police soon after the assault does give them accurate information and, potentially, access to more evidence that can be used if you decide to proceed in the future.
If you are unsure about reporting to police, many hospitals in New Brunswick have an option to collect and store evidence until you decided whether or not you want to report to police.
If you are in the Fredericton region, a volunteer can accompany you to the police if you are reporting or you can call the support line to talk through what is involved in reporting to police. If you want to report the assault to police, don’t wash, bathe or change your clothes until you have been looked after and a medical examination is done. It’s important to save any evidence that may still exist on your body or clothing.
After Sexual Assault is a guide for those who have experienced sexual assault that explains what can happen after a sexual assault, how you may be feeling, and how you may be feeling. You can download the resources here.
Sexual Violence New Brunswick offers a confidential sexual assault support line for anyone affected by sexual violence, or anyone supporting someone affected by sexual violence. The support line is available 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
to access the sexual violence support line
Sexual Violence New Brunswick (SVNB) provides short term client led counselling. This program is for survivors of sexual violence (i.e. sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment) who are in need of supportive, therapeutic counselling specific to sexual violence trauma.
SVNB does not charge clients a fee for counselling services or for participation in groups. Counselling is conducted in a confidential manner. Counselling is provided by counsellors who are licensed/registered in good standing in the province of New Brunswick through the completion of recognized counselling and/or social work degree programs. SVNB adheres to the Code of Ethics of the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
As a feminist-based organization, we believe that the individual seeking counselling is the expert of their own experience. SVNB believes that sharing knowledge, skills, and perceptions is therapeutically effective. Clients at SVNB will be treated with respect and dignity in a nonjudgmental and supportive environment. Short term individual counselling is offered to women aged 16 or over. We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome cis women, trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified.
We start with an intake session with one of our counsellors. The counsellor will meet with you to talk about how we can best meet your needs at this time. Once a space opens up, a counsellor will contact you to make arrangements to meet regularly for one-on-one sessions. Clients take the lead in deciding when goals have been met and a mutual decision should then be made with the counsellor to end counselling sessions.
SVNB offers the following three counsellor-led groups: women who have experienced sexual violence; men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse; and non-offending parents whose children have experienced sexual abuse. The group provides a safe space to explore the impacts of sexual violence on their lives alongside each other.
New groups are generally offered in the fall and/or spring as needed. Participants must complete an interview and be 19 years of age or older.
To inquire about individual counselling and/or support groups call the SVNB office 506-454-0460.
