In moments of profound distress, sexual assault advocates and staff from Canvas Health Abuse Response & Prevention Services emerge as beacons of support for survivors. These tireless individuals bridge the gap between trauma and recovery, offering empathy, practical aid, and a sense of dignity to survivors who face one of the hardest experiences imaginable.
Advocates not only provide emotional solace but bring with them tangible, life-changing help in the form of supply bags or “go bags.” These thoughtfully curated bags contain items designed to restore comfort, address immediate needs, and allow survivors to regain a semblance of control over their lives.
Here’s why each item in the go bag matters:
- Visa Gift Cards: These empower survivors to buy essentials that meet their unique needs, such as new bedsheets, food, or prescription medications. This gift ensures autonomy and practical relief in challenging times.
- Hairbrush: Having the opportunity to groom oneself helps reclaim a sense of normalcy and personal agency after an overwhelming ordeal.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Basic hygiene items like these renew feelings of cleanliness and self-care, which are crucial steps in emotional recovery.
- Makeup Remover Wipes: Gentle wipes allow survivors to refresh themselves without adding unnecessary discomfort.
- Shampoo/Conditioner & Body Wash: Personal hygiene products nurture physical cleanliness and emotional well-being, helping survivors wash away the physical reminders of their trauma.
- Deodorant: A simple yet powerful item that aids in feeling refreshed and confident during a vulnerable time.
- Feminine Products: These items cater to basic biological needs and are essential to the dignity and comfort of survivors.
- TracFones: Providing survivors with phones ensures communication access, offering safety and the ability to stay connected with supportive networks.
- Clothing: Often survivors cannot return to their previous attire due to evidence collection. Comfortable clothing in the hospital helps restore dignity and warmth.
- Water/Snacks: These items are immediate sources of nourishment, addressing physical needs while also offering a small but necessary comfort in stressful moments.
- Fidget Toys: Coping tools like fidget toys provide tactile stimulation that may help ease anxiety and provide distraction during moments of stress.
- Hotel Stays & Transportation: For survivors who cannot return home due to safety concerns or other factors, temporary shelter and transportation offer protection and peace of mind.
The advocates from Canvas Health Abuse Response & Prevention Services play an indispensable role in hospitals. They provide survivors of sexual assault not only these resources but also compassionate guidance through a confusing and painful time. They help survivors navigate medical procedures, connect them with counseling services, and offer hope in what might feel like hopeless circumstances.
The importance of advocates in hospital settings cannot be overstated. Their presence signals that survivors are not alone, that there are people who care deeply about their well-being, and that healing is possible. The thoughtfully assembled go bags are far more than practical tools—they are symbols of hope, reminders of humanity, and stepping stones toward recovery. With their invaluable assistance, survivors can begin the journey toward reclaiming their lives, strength, and confidence.
