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November 14, 2005
The number of sexual assault and domestic violence cases in
Thunder Bay is increasing. Recent statistics from Thunder
Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre indicate that there is,
on average, at least one acute case being dealt with every
two days. Adults - mostly female and children are being treated.
To address this growing need for care, TBRHSC has officially
opened the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre.
The program at TBRHSC is part of a provincial network of
33 similar programs with Thunder Bay designated as the Regional
Centre with programs in Kenora, Dryden, and Sioux Lookout.
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Rhonda Crocker is Vice-President
of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at
TBRHSC. She says, "opening the Sexual Assault/
Domestic Violence Treatment Centre will enable patients
to re-establish themselves as survivors rather than
victims. Our staff, with cooperation from other agencies,
will provide crisis support, safety planning, risk assessment
and care, in a safe and secure environment. As well,
Emergency Department staff and specially trained nurses
who, as part of a team, will be available twenty-four
hours a day to assist with their care". |
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Dawn Dowson, Coordinator of the SA/DVTC
says, "one of the goals of the program is to support
the needs of people throughout the region. We want to
assist each survivor to move beyond the traumatic event
and experience healing. In addition, we will encourage
patients to participate in their own care as they seek
support and advice". |
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Observing that 14 Agencies signed
the Agreement to officially open the Treatment Centre,
the Chair of the Board of Directors of TBRHSC, Ron Nelson
noted the "tremendous amount of interdependency
there is in providing healthcare for these acute care
patients. Everyone is to be commended for this level
of cooperation". |
Click
here for further information regarding the TBRHSC Sexual Assault/Domestic
Violence Treatment Centre.
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