SART | Sexual Assault Response Team

The Benefits of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

A Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to handling sexual assault cases. It involves law enforcement, medical professionals, victim advocates, and legal teams, all working together to provide timely, sensitive, and effective support for victims. Below are the key benefits for each group involved:

For the Victim:

• Coordinated Response: Victims receive a unified, sensitive response from all team members, ensuring their needs are met in a compassionate and timely manner.
• Clear Information: Victims are provided with clear, accurate information about their options, helping them make informed decisions about their care and legal actions.

For Medical Professionals:

• Increased Training: SART provides specialized training in forensic medical care, ensuring that medical staff are equipped to handle the unique needs of sexual assault victims.
• Best Practices: Medical professionals are provided with clear guidelines on how to conduct exams, collect evidence, and provide care that aligns with best practices for sexual assault cases.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Medical staff collaborate more closely with other community partners, strengthening the overall care and response network for victims.

For Law Enforcement:

• Improved Reporting: SART leads to increased reporting of sexual assaults, as victims are more likely to come forward when they know they will receive coordinated support.
• Specialized Training: Law enforcement officers receive training on the specific needs and challenges involved in investigating sexual assault cases, leading to more effective investigations.
• Better Victim Access: SART improves the ability of law enforcement to follow up with victims, providing continued support throughout the investigation process.

For Prosecution:

• Informed Victims: SART ensures that victims are better informed about their rights and the legal process, empowering them to make decisions regarding their case.
• Improved Documentation: Victims receive better reports from law enforcement and medical professionals, which strengthens the case for prosecution.
• Stronger Support: Victims are more effectively supported throughout the legal process, improving the likelihood that cases will proceed successfully.

For the Community:

• Increased Safety: With more coordinated reporting and prosecution, communities become safer. The increased awareness and responsiveness to sexual assault cases contribute to a reduction in sexual violence.
• Stronger Support System: Communities with a SART are better equipped to support survivors, which creates a stronger, more resilient community overall.

How Does SART Work?

When a sexual assault is reported, SART’s team members quickly come together to respond. This coordinated approach includes key players such as:

• The Advocate: Provides emotional support, ensures the victim understands their rights, and explains the options available for care and legal action.
• Law Enforcement: Assists with the investigation, ensuring that the victim’s report is handled with care, sensitivity, and thoroughness.
• Medical Professionals: Conducts forensic exams to gather evidence while also providing medical care for the victim.

By working together, the team ensures that the victim’s immediate needs are met, the investigation proceeds effectively, and the victim’s rights are respected throughout the process.

Want to Know More?

Is your community interested in learning about the benefits of SART, trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), or how to establish a SART in your area? For more information or to inquire about training opportunities, contact:

Morgan Campbell, Training and Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 712-362-3200
Email: morgan@caasaonline.org