The Toronto Police Services is here to provide assistance and support. For further information on the community support resources available to you, sexual assault investigations, possible outcomes and the criminal court process visit our Guide for Survivors of Sexual Assault, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Along the bottom you will see quick exit instructions. If at any time you feel you are in danger please call 911.

Have you been sexually assaulted or know someone who has been sexually assaulted?

We know you are going through a lot and we know that past experiences with police may cause you to hesitate coming forward to report.

It is important for you to know that the Toronto Police Service is here to provide assistance and support. The TPS is dedicated to ensuring that everyone impacted by sexual violence is treated with respect and dignity, fairness and honesty and in a professional and bias-free manner. We will conduct a thorough investigation while at the same time provide you with the necessary resources and information to assist you.

an illustration of a two women forming a heart shape using their hands

Download a copy of the Guide to Sexual Assault in your language

History with Police

We have made some mistakes and we are committed to changing things for the better. We understand that there is a history of systemic barriers that affect the relationship between the Toronto Police Service and members of the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities.

The Toronto Police Service is dedicated to repairing our relationship with both of these communities. As a Police Service, we are dedicated to rooting out inequality, implementing reforms and building an inclusive culture. As we move forward, we are committed to doing the work that is necessary to rebuild and strengthen these relationships.

group of men and women holding hands and smiling

The Toronto Police Service is committed to improving the relationship between police and members of the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities. We continue to work at building trust between the Toronto Police and the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities we serve.

Sexual violence and Intimate Partner Violence perpetuated against members of the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities is under-reported. The YourChoice.to website has been expanded to include a section dedicated to serve the needs of survivors of sexual violence in the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities. The addition of this section is a vital step in supporting LGBTQ2S+ survivors of sexual violence.

The decision to report sexual violence is a very personal one. Survivors of sexual violence must make the decision that is best for them. The YourChoice.to website has been designed to give survivors the power of choice by providing access to a toolkit of resources and support services specific to the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, cultural background. It includes, but is not limited to, unwanted kissing, touching, penetration or attempted penetration. Sexaul assault can be committed by anyone; a stranger, a friend, a partner, a family member or a person in a position of authority.

Sexual assault is never you fault.

What is consent?

Consent is the voluntary and active agreement, given equally by both participants, to engage in a specific sexual activity. Consent implies that a person understands what they are agreeing to, and the possible positive and negative consequences. Consent is NOT GIVEN when:

You are incapacitated by alcohol or drugs;
You fear the consequences of not consenting;
You feel threatened or intimidated;
You are coerced (compelled to submit through intimidation, threats, misuse of authoritiy, manipulation, tricking, or bribing with actions and words);
You are physically forced to comply;
You say "no", either verbally or physically (e.g., crying, kicking, pushing away); and/or
You have a disability or mental health problem that prevents you from making an informed choice. Consent can only be given by the person participating in the sexual activity; it cannot be given by another person on your behalf, for example, by a parent, brother, sister,partner,spouse, or friend. Consent should not be confused with compliance, where you participated in any sexual act because of pressure, threats, fear of consequences or trickery.

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate Partner Violence is violence or abuse that occurs against a current or past intimate partner.

Intimate Partner Violence affects individuals of all sexual orientations and genders. Two-spirit, non-binary and trans people experience specific abuses related to their gender identity.

There are several aspects of IPV which can be unique to the LGBTQ2S+ community. “Outing” or threatening to reveal one partner’s sexual orientation/gender identity may be used as a tool of abuse in violent relationships. This may also be a barrier which reduces the likelihood of seeking help for the abuse due to the dangers associated with outing oneself and risking possible rejection from family, friends and society.

Several resources are available within the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities that will support a survivor.

two transmasculine people sitting together and
having a serious conversation

Do you know someone who was sexually assaulted?

People who have been sexually assaulted need the support of their families and friends. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed, depressed and frightened. They may not want to talk about what happened. Be ready to listen when they are ready to talk. Let them know you care about them and do not judge or blame them for what happened. Be there to support them in their choices that they make during the process. They may feel guilty, but what happened is never their fault. You can be of great help by giving them this message.

Options available

As a survivor of sexual assault, we support the choices that you make with respect to the process and what is best for you.

You can report the sexual assault to police;
You can get medical and/or emotional support from community support agencies;
You can take civil action against (i.e., sue) the person who sexually assaulted you.

The Toronto Police Service is here to provide assistance and support. For further information on the community supports resources available to you, sexual assault investigations, possible outcomes and the criminal court process visit our Guide for Survivors of Sexual Assault, which can be found at the top of the page.

Along the bottom you will see quick exit instructions. If at any time you feel you are in danger please call 911.

If you choose to report to the police: Process

Once dispatched to a sexual assault, the uniformed officer will:

Upon arriving at the location of the survivor, ensure their physical and emotional needs are met and call for an ambulance if required;
Conduct a preliminary investigation with the assistance of the survivor to find out basic details about the incident. This will happen in a private environment, if possible;
If the survivor has special needs (e.g., interpretation, sign language, physical and other disabilities) contact the appropriate individual or agency for assistance;
Depending on the nature of the sexual assault, the officer may ask the survivor to go to the hospital to treat injuries and to have a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) done. This kit will collect forensic evidence;
It is your choice whether to have the SAEK done, the officer will continue the investigation no matter your choice and/or;
Advise the survivor of the option of having Victim Services Toronto contacted to assist in providing immediate crisis, trauma support services.

Visit our Reporting to the Police page.

The 519

the519.org

416-392-6874

Gerstein Crisis Centre

www.gersteincentre.org

416-604-2337

Translife

www.transifeline.org

1-877-330-6366

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

1-866-863-0511

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre Multicultural Women Against Rape

trccmwar.ca

416-597-8808

Women’s College Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre

416-323-6040

Medical & Healing Support

Womens college

Rainbow health

Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre
• Parkdale Site – 416-537-2455
• Queen West Site – 416-703-8480

Sherbourne Health Centre
• Mental Health – 416-324-4100
• Medical – 416-324-4180

A transmasculine doctor with his computer

LGBTQ+ Youth Support

TorontoPflag Book reviews

Skylark Studio

CTYS Yoga

Central Toronto Youth Services

CTYS: Boy-O-Boy

The519 TransYouth Mentorship Prorgam

Friends of Ruby Youth support

Sprott House

Support Our Youth (Sherbourne health)

Organisations & Support +

Egale Canada Youth Services – 1-844-443-4253
The 519 – 416-392-6874
Toronto PFlag

Butterfly Asian & Migrant Sex Workers – 416-906-3098
International Railroad for Queer Refugees – 416-985-7456.
Rainbow Railroad (ADD)
Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) - 416-963-4300
Alliance for South Asian Aids Prevention (ASAAP) – 416-599-2727
Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (BLACKCAP) – 416-977-9955

Legal Support +

There are lawyers who focus on survivors of childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. The purpose of obtaining a Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer is for financial compensation. You can sue the offender and you can sue an institution if on was involved.

The Toronto Police Service is unable to recommend a specific lawyer. If you would like to contact a lawyer, you can refer to any of the resources listed on this site. If the accused is found not guilty in the criminal process, you can still proceed with a civil lawyer financial compensation.

The Law Society of Upper Canada
The Lawyer Referral Service
416-947-3330
1-800-268-8326 (toll free)
www.lsuc.on.ca

Housing Support +

There are shelters and housing options that are available and cater to the needs of the indigenous community.

Interim Place - 1-855-676-8515
Operates 2 shelters for those over 16 who identify as women, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, trans and non-binary and have experienced violence.
Sistering - 416-926-9762
Multi-service agency for at risk – socially isolated women and trans who are homeless or precariously housed.
Youth Without Shelter - 416-748-0110
YWCA Women’s Shelter - 416-693-7342
Operates 2 free shelters, over the age of 16, who identify as women, transgender or non-binary who are experiencing homelessness.
Sprott House (YMCA) - 647-438-8383
Provides one year of supported residential living for 2SLGBTQ+ folks between the ages of 16 – 24 years.

Counselling & Mental Health +

Egale Canada Youth Services – 1-844-443-4253
The 519 – 416-392-6874
Friends of Ruby – 416-359-0237
LGBT Youthline – 1-800-268-9688
Victim Services Toronto – 416-808-7066

Contact Us

Sex Crimes
40 College Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2J3
Phone: 416-808-7474
Fax: 416-808-7472
Website

Partner Organizations

Download a copy of the Guide to Sexual Assault in your language

This Project has been made possible by a grant from the Government of Ontario

For the purpose of this website, the Toronto Police Service has used “survivor” as an umbrella term to refer to anyone who has been sexually assaulted. However, we support a person’s right to choose how they wish to be identified. It is also important to note, this is not legal advice. Every effort is made to provide precise information, however your rights and a police officer’s responsibilities depend on the situation. If, at any time, you're unsure of your rights you can ask the police officer. They are required to tell you. The Toronto Police Service bears no responsibility for information on other websites. While we strive to maintain accurate and survivor-focused resources, it cannot be guaranteed. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Government of Ontario.

Sitemap