Medical support in Whitehorse

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Your sexual and reproductive health is important.

There are potential health risks associated with a sexualized assault. The Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) encourages all victims of sexualized violence to seek medical services with a healthcare professional you trust.

You do not have to report an assault

It’s important to remember that seeking health care after an assault does not mean you're required to report the assault to law enforcement.

Go to the hospital to get medical support

The SART offers medical services with specially trained doctors (sexualized assault examiners or SAEs) and other health professionals through the Whitehorse General Hospital emergency department to victims of sexualized violence who:

  • have been assaulted within the past 7 days;
  • are any age (if you’re under the age of 13, a pediatrician may be consulted);
  • are capable of providing informed consent for SART to be involved or have a parent or guardian who can provide consent on your behalf; and
  • do not require emergency medical care.

If you’re a victim experiencing a medical emergency, you’ll be seen and treated by the emergency department physician and nurses prior to being seen by the SART.

You do not need an appointment

SART services at Whitehorse General Hospital are available 24/7, every day of the year.

What’s a sexualized assault examiner and what will they do?

In Whitehorse, a sexualized assault examiner (SAE) is a specially trained physician who supports you after you’ve experienced sexualized violence. They will never force you to have treatment that you do not want.

These are some of the services and treatment they can provide:

  • Explaining all of your healthcare options and treating you for any medical concerns related to the assault. This might include:
    • asking questions about your medical history and the assault;
    • completing a physical or genital examination to check for injuries;
    • providing medication to treat sexually transmitted infections or help prevent a pregnancy from occurring; and
    • assessing your risk for blood borne illnesses such as HIV and hepatitis and providing medication and referrals for this if you need it.
  • Answering any questions that you might have.
  • Calling a support worker to be with you while you’re at the hospital.
  • Collecting and documenting forensic evidence that could be used in a court of law and providing this information to law enforcement if you consent to it.
    • If you are not sure that you want to report the assault to law enforcement right away, you can still ask the sexualized assault examiner to collect the forensic evidence and SART will confidentially store it for a period of time while you decide the best option for you. This is known as a “Kit on Ice”. If you’re under the age of 19, this may not be an option.
  • Making referrals for further support and follow-up to help you decide on your next steps.

You have choices

Remember – you have choices after experiencing sexualized violence. The SART is here to support and care for you, regardless of the treatment decisions you make.

Additional resources

First Nations health programs at the Whitehorse General Hospital

The First Nations Health Programs (FNHP) offer support and compassionate care to Indigenous Yukoners. They support victims of sexualized violence who seek care at the Whitehorse General Hospital. This support may include:

  • facilitating visits;
  • figuring out financial assistance;
  • keeping family members informed with your permission;
  • arranging for transportation back to your home or another safe place;
  • providing access to traditional food and medicine while you’re in hospital;
  • providing safe space for ceremonies; and
  • helping meet other needs you may have.

The First Nations Health Program is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on statutory holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone 867-393-8780 for more information.

Yukon Sexual Health Clinic

The Yukon Sexual Health Clinic offers sexual and reproductive health services in the Yukon to people of all genders and sexual orientations.

Phone 867-393-6635 to book an appointment.

Find out more about the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic.

Opal Clinic

The Opal Clinic provides confidential care for:

  • miscarriages;
  • medication abortions;
  • and surgical abortions up to the 15th week of pregnancy.

They can also insert IUDs with a referral.

For more information, phone 867-393-6635 or go to the Opal Clinic website. 

If you’re under 19

If you’re under the age of 19 and have been assaulted, the health care professionals may be required to report the assault under current Yukon legislation. If you have questions about this, you can anonymously call the Yukon Sexualized Assault Support Line at 1-844-967-7275.