Easing the trauma of reporting sexual assault

London police have a new option when it comes to interviewing victims of sexual assault. The exchange will no longer have to happen at police headquarters. A dedicated interview room has been set up at the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (RSADVTP) at St. Joseph's Health Care.

"Coming to the police can sometimes be a barrier to communication," said Detective Sergeant Dave Poustie of the London Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section. "It's just another way for us to improve our service."

'Calm and comforting' setting

The room is within what's described as the "calm and comforting" setting of the RSADVTP. There's a camera and other technology in the room to ensure the victim's story can be recorded and monitored by another officer. That in turn allows an investigation to get underway immediately, according to Poustie.

People can receive treatment from the centre and also be interviewed by police if that's the direction they wanted to go,- Detective Sergeant Dave Poustie 

Another goal is to reduce the number of times a victim has to recount their story. "For lack of a better term, it's sort of a one-stop shopping situation whereby people can receive treatment from the centre and also be interviewed by police if that's the direction they wanted to go," said Poustie.

The RSADVTP provides care 24/7 for women, men and children who have experienced sexual assault, sexual violence and domestic violence. The new interview room is not the first collaboration with London Police. In March 2017, the treatment program and police service's Human Trafficking Unit formed a partnership to provide address the needs of victims rescued by police. That includes initial examination, testing, medical and psychological care. 

Poustie describes setting up the new interview room "a seamless process" with St. Joseph's. The police provided the equipment and the information technology departments from both organizations worked to ensure it was connected. 

Members of the public can see the new set up for themselves May 10. The RSADVTP is hosting an open house from 2:00 - 5:00 pm to check out what services are offered and meet the team who cares for victims. The public invitation is to help mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month.