1. What is sexual assault?
Answer: here

2. I’ve just been sexually assaulted; what are my options?
Answer: here

3. What happens if I report to the police?
Answer:
Police/Emergency 911 You always have the option of calling the police immediately if you have been sexually assaulted. They will respond, take a statement from you, and proceed to investigate your complaint. They will also take you to the hospital if you would like to go, and you may request that they call the Avalon Centre On-Call Casual Worker to meet you at the hospital or police station. They should also refer you to Victims’ Services. See also, Avalon’s “What Happens if I call the Police?” brochure.

4. If my case goes to court, do I have to hire a lawyer?
Answer:
If your case goes to court through the criminal justice system, no, you do not need to hire a lawyer. A Crown Attorney will be assigned to try the case on behalf of the state; you will be a witness in this process.

5. How often does sexual assault happen? Is it a common crime?
Answer:
Unfortunately, sexual assault is a fairly common crime. In Halifax in 2002, on average there was a sexual assault reported to the police every day.

6. Why don’t more people report sexual assault to the police?
Answer:
There are many reasons why some people may choose not report a sexual assault. They may be afraid that no one will believe them, that their perpetrator will hurt them again, that their family or friends will be negatively affected, etc. They may simply not want to talk about their experience with strangers.

8. Don’t both people have some responsibility when a sexual assault occurs?
Answer:
The perpetrator of a sexual assault is 100% responsible for that assault. Myths and stereotypes exist in our society that suggest otherwise, but sexual assault is an often pre-planned crime that occurs when one person has made a conscious decision to harm another person.

9. Don’t men get sexually assaulted just as much as women do?
Answer:
It is true that men can be victims of sexual violence. However, the majority of victims are women, and the vast majority of perpetrators are men. This reality reflects the context in which sexual violence occurs in our society: one that pressures men to seek power and control, and views women as weaker and sexualized.

10. Can I volunteer with Avalon?
Answer:
Avalon Centre does not have the resources to operate a volunteer crisis line, or to train volunteers to work in our office. For this reason, volunteer opportunities at Avalon are limited to our After Hours Response Line and our Board of Directors. Response Line volunteers receive an honorarium for their contribution; women who do this work at Avalon are required to have previous experience with crisis intervention and issues pertaining to violence against women. Women who volunteer on our Board of Directors are required to have knowledge of community-based organizations, a solid understanding of issues pertaining to violence against women, and relevant experience.

Be an Agent For Social Change
You can fight sexual violence in many ways. Challenge sexism in the media and in your own community. You can do this by writing letters to the editor, by challenging discriminatory policies, procedures and behaviors, and by challenging your own personal biases. Make sure your elected representatives are aware that you will not tolerate sexual violence by writing to your MLA, MP or City Counselor. Get involved with your local women’s centre.

11. What is a Peace Bond and how can I get one?
Answer: Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia

12. Does Avalon do counseling with men?
Answer:
No, Avalon does not have the resources or the expertise to provide counseling services to men.

13. What is the age of consent in Canada?
Answer:
The age of consent to engage in sexual activity of any kind is 14. A child under age 12 can never give legal consent to sexual activity. A person between the ages of 12 and 14 can only give consent if:
The other person is 12 or older, but under the age of 16, and is less than two years older than the person giving consent: a 12 year old can consent to sexual activity with someone who is age 14, but not age 15.
The other person is not in a position of trust, or authority, such as a teacher, a minister, a doctor, a babysitter, a relative.
To engage in anal sex, both people must be 18 years of age or older, or married to one another.

There is no consent if:
One person is between 14 and 17 and the other is in a position of trust and authority.
One person is older than 16 and the other person uses authority, threats, lies or force to get consent.
If both persons are under the age of 14, but are 12 or over, charges cannot be laid unless the older person is in a position of trust or authority.

Sexual Exploitation
Charges can be laid if someone who is in a position of trust or authority over a person under the age of 18, has or attempts to have sex with that person; touches that person in a sexual manner; invites that person to touch to them in a sexual manner.

Sexual Interference and Invitation to Sexual Touching
The same as sexual exploitation except the person committing the crime is not in a position of trust or authority.
A Person in a Position of Trust and Authority:
Has a responsibility to protect a child’s safety;
Is responsible for the child’s well being;
Helps the child develop spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc;
Includes a family member, neighbour, coach, teacher, religious leader, family friend, group leader.
The Children & Family Services Act
A child, under 16 years of age, is in need of protection if they have been or are at risk of being sexually abused by a parent or guardian, or if the parent or guardian knows or should know of the possibility of sexual abuse by another person, and fails to protect the child.
A person who suspects that someone under 16 years of age is or was being abused, whether proven or suspected, is legally obligated to report that information to a child welfare agency. Punishment for professionals or officials can be fines up to $5000 and/or imprisonment. Other people can face fines up to $2000 and/or imprisonment.
No action can be taken against a person for reporting abuse, unless the report is done falsely and maliciously.

Click here for more information on Consent

15. Can women prevent sexual assault?
Answer:
While Avalon supports women doing whatever they deem necessary to feel safer in their homes and communities, and fighting back against sexual violence in whatever way they feel is helpful for them, we do not endorse victim-based prevention. Sexual assault is the responsibility of the perpetrator, and prevention strategies should reflect that.

For more information please see this press release issued by Avalon Centre in response to several high profile incidences of stranger sexual assault that have occurred in HRM this summer (2004).