Tips and Tools

Sexual S.O.S.

If you've been assaulted, picked up an STI, or accidentally gotten pregnant (or gotten someone else pregnant), you've got some major decisions to make. Should you go to the police about being molested or just try to put it behind you? Do you tell your parents or your past sexual partners about having an STI? Do you have an abortion or keep the baby?

If you're in one of these situations, you're probably feeling pretty scared and pretty alone. But you're not alone. There are lots of people who've been specially trained to help you with your problem - people who won't judge you and will help you sort through your options. These people can support you with the tools and information you need to make these tough decisions.

If you're not sure whom to contact, the following umbrella groups can steer you in the right direction. Your doctor or local/regional sexual clinics can also help direct you to the people who are there to help.

• Sexual coercion/assault: Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres ( www.casac.ca )
• Unwanted pregnancy and STIs: The Canadian Federation for Sexual Health ( www.cfsh.ca )

No matter what, don't put off getting help. If you get help early, you're going to have more options. If treated early, many STIs cause no lasting damage; if you wait too long into a pregnancy, an abortion will no longer be an option; and if you see a doctor right away after you've been raped, they can give you emergency contraception to make sure you don't become pregnant. The chances that the person who assaulted you will be punished is also higher if you report it to police right away.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006