Sexual health

Sexual Health

Sexual health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Southeast Public Health provides information about contraception and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections and can help direct you to information on safe sex practices.

We provide a caring, non-judgmental experience over the phone and in person at our sexual health clinics.

View options for accessing sexual health services in the Southeast Public Health region on our sexual health clinics page.

Human sexuality is diverse, and all sexual orientations and gender identities are normal. Understanding your sexuality and gender can be difficult. Aside from personal challenges, there can be pressure to act and feel a certain way. As you are learning more about your gender identity and sexual orientation (or the gender identity or sexual orientation of a family member or friend) it’s normal to feel confused, lost or alone. Remember — you are not alone. Reaching out to people who care about you and understand what you are going through can help.

Everyone should be able to express their feelings without being scared of being treated unfairly, bullied, or attacked. For non-judgmental and confidential support visit Rainbow Health Ontario, It Gets Better Canada or Youthline.

Healthy relationship skills are important for sexual health, no matter how long or how well people know each other. Knowing the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and abuse is also important for taking care of your health and well-being.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) includes all forms of violence that happen within an intimate partner relationship, including by a former partner. Violence can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial. Other words used for this form of violence include domestic abuse, spousal violence, woman abuse, and dating violence.

Support is available for those experiencing intimate partner violence in Southeast Public Health:

Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington, and in northern areas of KFL&A

The Kingston Frontenac Anti-Violence Coordinating Committee (FACC) IPV Survivors Handbook Resource Guide provides safety information and lists of community resources in the City of Kingston and County of Frontenac.

Sexual Assault Centre Kingston provides free, confidential and non-judgmental support for all survivors of sexual assault. Male survivors of sexual abuse can access 24-7 support by calling 1-866-887-0015.

Hastings and Prince Edwards Counties

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties

Support Lines

  • Fem’aide Toujours a l’ecoute 1-877-336-2433
  • Stop Family Violence – Learn how to promote healthy family relationships, seek help if you are experiencing family violence, and find resources available in our area.
  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 24/7 support line, toll-free: 1-866-863-7868 or text #SAFE (#7233).
  • Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse – 24/7 multilingual support for immediate crisis and referral services, toll-free: 1-866-887-0015.
  • Victim Support Line – 24/7 support line for victims of crime, toll-free: 1-888-579-2888.

Gender-based violence is any act of violence that is perpetrated based on someone’s gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender. Young women face high levels of gender-based violence. Get advice on the most common gender-based violence issues facing young people, based on real searches from across Canada.