Meet Janet Okrafka, coordinator of the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (SA/DV) care and treatment centre at BGH – one of 36 sites across Ontario.
“There are so many things to be proud of in my role – our caring SA/DV team, the emergency department (ED) physicians and nurses, our collaboration with community partners and most of all, the courageous patients who are seeking treatment,” said Janet.
The BCHS SA/DV team ensures victims are provided with prompt, trauma-specialized care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in their own community. Most patients access SA/DV services through the ED at BGH, and the team also assists patients through booked appointments.
“Our goal is to empower patients to make their own decisions about their health,” Janet said. “Patients are provided with one-on-one expert nursing care and counselling during their visit, and the team works in partnership with community services and the justice system to help patients in their critical decision making – a crucial element to ensuring victims receive continued support during their transition from BCHS.”
The improvement of SA/DV spaces at BGH is part of the ED redevelopment project. Janet believes financial support from donors is critical for SA/DV and the continued provision of a safe space for victims to seek care and ongoing support after experiencing sexual violence, domestic violence or human trafficking.
“Our services are making a difference to people who need this support in our community” said Janet. “I am proud to be an advocate, ally and champion for trauma informed care.”
BCHS is fortunate to have Janet as part of our exceptional team. Recently, she was nominated by her colleagues and received a ‘Thumbs Up’ recognition award for delivering compassionate patient-centred care and for being an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Janet’s nominator shared that Janet routinely goes above and beyond to support patients and to encourage kindness. She works tirelessly to provide awareness and education about the importance of trauma-specialized care. Thank you Janet for the important work you are doing with the SA/DV team to support our community.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience violence in their lifetime. This number is even higher for individuals who are Indigenous, disabled or identify as 2SLGBTQ+. The BCHS SA/DV team provides victims with prompt, trauma-specialized care in their own community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The BCHS Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care & Treatment Centre (SA/DV) is located at the Brantford General Hospital site, open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm for non-urgent appointments. The call team is available 24/7 through the BGH
emergency department. For more information about available services, please call 519-751-5544 ext. 4449.
