National

Rape Kits Soon Available In Sea-To-Sky Region Of British Columbia

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Nov, 2015 12:24 PM

VANCOUVER — A public health nurse will soon be available to administer rape kits in Squamish, B.C., after a fight by advocates to remove barriers to justice for sexual assault victims in the region.

Vancouver Coastal Health says a nurse will be available as of mid-December to offer the forensic exams, which collect evidence after an assault for a criminal prosecution.

The health authority also says some local doctors have expressed interest in providing the exams and once they complete the necessary training, they will form a team with a nurse.

Squamish district Coun. Susan Chapelle has said victims in the Sea-to-Sky region had to travel for more than an hour, sometimes in the back of a police car, to access the kits at a hospital in Vancouver.

Laurie Leith of Vancouver Coastal Health says the authority has been working with local doctors and community members for some time to provide better services.

Thirteen health centres in southern B.C. can administer rape kits, while doctors in all 24 northern hospitals can provide the exams.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

New Liberal Government Reinstating Long-Form Census, But Won't Talk Penalties

Navdeep Bains, the minister of innovation, science and economic development, said the new government is focused on evidence-based decision-making over ideology.

New Liberal Government Reinstating Long-Form Census, But Won't Talk Penalties

Justin Trudeau Relaxes Conservative Control Of Diplomats, Urges Them To Engage

Trudeau sent a letter Wednesday to the ambassadors and high commissioners of Canada's foreign missions telling them he and his cabinet will be relying on their judgment and insight to advance Canada's foreign policy goals.

Justin Trudeau Relaxes Conservative Control Of Diplomats, Urges Them To Engage

Saskatoon Children With Rare Disease To Have $500,000 Drug Covered By Province

Muhammed Akhter says when he got the phone call from the health minister he had to ask the woman on the line three times to repeat what she was saying. He calls it "life-changing news."

Saskatoon Children With Rare Disease To Have $500,000 Drug Covered By Province

Newfoundland And Labrador On Verge Of Provincial Election Call For Nov. 30

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Voters in Newfoundland and Labrador will go to the polls on Nov. 30 in a provincial election that was scheduled to formally start on Thursday.

Newfoundland And Labrador On Verge Of Provincial Election Call For Nov. 30

Ontario Reviewing Consumer Protections For Owners Of New Homes

Ontario has appointed Douglas Cunningham, the former associate chief justice of the Ontario Superior Court, to review the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and the Tarion Warranty Corporation.

Ontario Reviewing Consumer Protections For Owners Of New Homes

New Conservative Leader To Be Chosen; Could Signal Change In Party Tone

Conservatives will pick an interim replacement today for former leader Stephen Harper — a decision that could, at least temporarily, mark a shift to how the party operates.