Identification of the strengths, concerns and educational needs of the Rural Sexual Assault Service in rural and Aboriginal communities of Alberta (Canada).

Women in rural communities do not regularly receive comprehensive health care following sexual assaults, resulting in increased rates of mental illness, substance abuse, re-victimization, and chronic health problems. Additionally, women are at risk for secondary victimization, the stigmatization and re-victimization that results from the responses of others to the assault. Secondary victimization is amplified when victims must be transported out of a rural community for treatment, receive delays in services, when professionals react negatively towards them, or provide incomplete services. A research study sought to find ways of addressing these risks and understanding the educational resources needed for crisis care workers in rural and Aboriginal communities. The findings from focus group interviews with interdisciplinary professionals in rural Alberta, Canada, identified strengths, challenges and priority educational needs for those caring for sexual assault victims.