Nova Scotia expands sexual assault services with new team in Sydney

SYDNEY, N.S. – The Nova Scotia government is placing a team of specialized nurses in Sydney to help victims of sexual assault.

The nurses will have training to provide emotional support for victims and collect forensic evidence.

Health Minister Leo Glavine says the government is aware of gaps in services for victims of sexual assault.

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The government plans to add one more team of specialized nurses in southwestern Nova Scotia, in addition to Sydney and the two existing teams in Halifax and Antigonish.

The Department of Health and Wellness, the Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre will determine whether the service in Sydney will be based in a hospital or co-ordinated by a community organization.

In either case, the team will travel to health facilities in the area to provide services where they are needed.

The government says both new teams will be in place by late 2015.