Mandate
The mandate of the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres is to address the health, psycho-social, and forensic needs of victims/survivors of sexual violence and/or domestic violence in a prompt, professional, and compassionate manner.
Statement of Philosophy
The Network is committed to opertating from within a feminist and intersectional analysis of violence which recongizes the embedded social, cultural, and systemic imbalances within society that promote and maintain violence. We also acknowledge the many interesting factors that comprise any one person's identity, context, health and well-being. As such, we recongize the importance of promoting choice, respect, and empowerment while honouring differences.
Vision
A unifying voice and catalyst for change in responding to the health, forensic, and psycho-social needs of those who have experienced sexual violence and/or domestic violence across the lifespan. Services are informed with an understanding of trauma, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
Mission
To provide leadership and support through advocacy, education, and research to thirty-seven, 24/7, hospital-based/community aligned sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centres across Ontario.
Core Values
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All individuals have a right to a life free of violence.
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Women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and sexual violence, as evidenced by research. As such, we recognize that violence is gender-based, wide-spread, and a human rights violation. It reflects and reinforces inequities and compromises the health, dignity, security, and autonomy of its victims/survivors.
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Sexual violence and domestic violence have long-term negative impacts on individuals, families, and society.
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Sexual violence and domestic violence are crimes and individuals have the right to support whether or not they choose to engage with the legal system
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Sexual violence and domestic violence must be addressed collectively by the healthcare, legal, social, and political systems.
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Everyone has the right to trauma and violence-informed services to aid in their recovery, regardless of gender, gender-identity or expression, culture, race, disability, religion or spirituality.
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Services must be accessible and staff appropriately trained to provide care to all community members.
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Access to trauma specific services can mitigate harm and facilitate healing and post-traumatic growth.
Principles of Service
Inclusion and Equity
Everyone has the right to comprehensive, equitable, and timely services. Each SA/DVTC will strive to idenitfy and remove barriers hindering access to care.
Client-Centred
SA/DVTC services must be individualized, culturally safe, accessible, inclusive, trauma and violence informed.
Informed Choice
Information must be delivered in a timely, accessible, and responsive way to facilitate a client's right to understand their care options and to make informed choices.
Education
Professional development and ongoing education are key to delievering quality services by competent professionals.
Collaboration
Collaboration and networking encourage information exchange, reduce isolation and facilitate resource sharing.
Accountability
SA/DVTCs and professionals demonstrate accountability to both the individuals recieving our services and our funders through data reporting, program evaluation, and the delivery of quality, evidence-based services.
Trauma Specific Services
Each SA/DVTC will provide trauma and violence informed services.