For those who have experienced sexualized violence it is important to consider accessing medical services. Learn more below about what services are available as well as where, when, and how they can be accessed.
Hospitals & response services
In Metro Vancouver specialized sexual assault health services are available at these locations and at the following:
Vancouver General Hospital
Sexual Assault Service
910 West 10th Avenue
Phone: 604-875-2881
UBC Hospital Urgent Care Centre
Sexual Assault Service
2211 Westbrook Mall
Phone: 604-822-7121
Surrey Memorial Hospital
13750 96 Avenue
Surrey, BC
Phone: 604-953-4723
SMART (Surrey Mobile Assault Response Team) is a 24/7 crisis response team at 604-583-1295 that provides medical, legal and social services over the phone and in-person to anyone who has experienced a physical or sexual assault.
Accessing medical care is always optional. Sexual assault services from BC hospitals are available to everyone, including visitors from outside Canada. You do not need to provide identification to receive these services.
However, it is encouraged because even if you do not feel physically injured, a healthcare provider can assist you in addressing many concerns such as: sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment, internal and external injuries, and pregnancy and pregnancy prevention.
Generally, specialized sexual assault medical services including forensic exams are available within 7 days of a sexual assault. A forensic exam is a physical examination of a person’s body to collect evidence after an experience of sexualized violence. This is conducted at a hospital or other health service by a health care professional.
Certain treatments, such as emergency contraception and certain infection prophylaxis are time limited. Sexual assault services from BC hospitals is available to everyone, including visitors from outside Canada. You do not need to provide identification to receive these services.
You can access medical care at any health facility that you choose, including a family physician, nurse practitioner, walk-in clinic, BCIT Student Health Services, or hospital emergency room. If you are not sure where to go, you can call 811 to speak to someone about navigating services.
Only certain hospitals provide specialized sexual assault services including forensic exams, as listed in the question “Where can I get specialized sexual assault health services?”
You always have the right to access medical care without undergoing a forensic exam.
A forensic exam is a physical examination of a person’s body to collect evidence after an experience of sexualized violence. This is conducted at a hospital or other health service by a health care professional.
It is entirely your decision to report the matter to the police. However, if there are substantive injuries, the police will be contacted by medical staff.
Sexual assault services from BC hospitals are available to everyone, including visitors from outside Canada. You do not need to provide identification to receive these services.
Vancouver Coastal Health provides information about what to expect if you access Sexual Assault Services at Vancouver General Hospital.
BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre has information about what to expect if you access Sexual Assault Services at Vancouver General Hospital or UBC’s Urgent Care Centre.