Service commitment
Our mission
The MSAC provides a safe, non-judgmental space where any person affected by sexual assault will be welcomed, listened to, believed and supported in accordance with their choices.
Description of services for victims of sexual violence
Designated centre providing medico-social services for sexual assault victims
- In partnership with the Montreal General Hospital and the GMF Clinique Medic Elle, MSAC counsellors provide support during the medico-social examination for anyone 18 or over who experienced a sexual assault during the previous 12 months.
- This service is offered in French and English 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Individual clinical follow-up
- A team of professional caseworkers offers a series of one-on-one clinical sessions to anyone 18 or over who was sexually assaulted during the previous 12 months.
- This service is available in French or English.
Sexual Violence Helpline
- The Sexual Violence Helpline is an aid resource available by telephone or by chat that is anonymous, confidential and free of charge. The service offers listening, information, support and referrals, and is available to anyone who is a victim of sexual violence and the people who care about them.
- With the help of the Emergency Financial Assistance Line (Ligne d’aide financière d’urgence or LAFU) and fieldworkers, the Sexual Violence Helpline is able to offer victims of sexual violence the possibility of moving rapidly to a safe space or obtaining medical services.
- This service is offered in French and English, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Commitment to victims of sexual violence
In accordance with sections 3, 4 and 6 of the Act to assist persons who are victims of criminal offences and to facilitate their recovery, the MSAC is committed:
- to give due consideration to victims’ views and concerns where their rights are affected relative to the sexual violence they experienced.
- to treat victims with compassion, courtesy, fairness, understanding and dignity.
- to respect victims’ privacy.
- to inform victims of the following:
- their rights and the recourses that will allow them to exercise those rights
- the assistance available to them based on their needs
- the health and social services, as well as all other forms of assistance, prevention or protection available in their community and through which they can obtain the necessary medical, psychological and social assistance
- the testimonial aids available to them
- the various complaint processing procedures.
Description of the complaint handling procedure
Any victim of sexual violence who wishes to submit a complaint regarding services provided by the MSAC must complete the official complaint form and email it to Deborah Trent, Executive Director of the MSAC, at plaintes@cvasm.ca.
The MSAC undertakes to send the complainant an acknowledgement of receipt within 10 working days. The complaint will be processed in accordance with an internal examination procedure. The complainant will be informed of the decision regarding their complaint within 60 working days of the acknowledgement of receipt.
Date of adoption
March 14, 2024
