Systems Navigation helps survivors of sexual violence find their way through different services and systems. It is short-term, practical support that gives survivors the information, tools, and connections they need to make decisions, access services, and assert their rights.  

Every person who reaches out to PEIRSAC for therapeutic support begins with filling out the service request form and doing a needs assessment with one of our Systems Navigators. This meeting focuses on your current needs, not on retelling your trauma. This process helps us work together to see what PEIRSAC services are the best fit for you. 

Navigators help people move through complex systems such as healthcare, legal processes, housing supports, and counselling so they don’t have to figure it out alone.

All Navigation services are grounded in trauma-informed practice, meaning that we prioritize safety, choice, collaboration, and respect in every interaction. 

Systems Navigation looks different for each survivor. Learn more about our process below:

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Systems Navigation

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  • Our Systems Navigators help survivors access the practical supports needed to stabilize and move toward healing. 

    Some of these supports may look like:

    • Accompaniment and support around police reporting and legal processes    

    • Support during Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) procedures  

    • Advocacy and accompaniment to appointments related to sexual assault  

    • Referrals to housing, income supports, community mental health, and other services  

    • General systems navigation, documentation assistance, note taking, and advocacy with service providers 

  • Navigation services are available for: 

    • Survivors of sexual violence (recent or historic) 

    • People who live in Prince Edward Island 

    • People aged 16 years or older 

    • Parents or guardians of youth aged 12–15 years seeking support for a young person 

  • The initial navigation meeting will be approximately 60-minutes long, and will focus on your current needs - not on retelling your trauma.

    This time is intended to:

    • Help you understand what support options are available 

    • Talk about what might feel most helpful right now 

    • Connect you with PEIRSAC services or community resources 

    • Create a plan for your next steps together. 

  • It depends. If urgent support is needed, Systems Navigators can help connect you with appropriate emergency or crisis services. Systems Navigators can also accompany to the hospital and police for time sensitive services like Sexual Assault Evidence Kits and reporting. However, they are only available during office hours.

  • Navigation services are typically available for up to six months at a time. If additional support is needed later, you are welcome to reconnect with PEIRSAC. In some cases there may be a wait before services resume. 

  • Yes. Healing and support after sexual violence looks different for everyone. You can talk with your Navigator about what support is available and what might be most helpful for you right now.