Sexual Assault Response Team

WHAT IS SART....

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is a community-based effort to coordinate resources to respond effectively to sexual assault incidents and collect evidence with sensitivity to the victim.  The SART seeks to provide comprehensive services to victims of sexual assault, including free forensic medical examinations to document injuries and preserve evidence of a sexual assault that can be used to prosecute the perpetrator.  The SART also promotes public education aimed at preventing sexual assault.

WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT....

Sex without consent is a serious crime.  Lack of consent occurs when a person is compelled by force or the imminent threat of force to engage in a sexual act.  Sex crimes also include situations where a person is unaware that a sexual act is occurring, or if the person is so mentally disabled or deficient that consent to sex cannot be given.  Specific sex crimes without consent include sexual intercourse (Rape), other sexual acts (Criminal Deviate Conduct), or touching another person with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire (Sexual Battery).

THE CHOICE IS YOURS....

If you are an adult victim of sexual assault you have the right to choose whether or not to report the incident to law enforcement.  Even if you choose not to report the incident to the police, you should immediately seek medical attention and obtain a free examination from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) so that physical evidence is collected and documented.  Evidence from non-reporting adults will be anonymously preserved for one year under a confidential number recorded in your medical chart.  While you are encouraged to promptly report a sexual assault to law enforcement so that they may conduct a more thorough criminal investigation - the choice is yours.

WHO IS THERE TO HELP ME....

The Sexual Assault Response Team includes the following members:

• A Victim's Advocate is available to meet with you to help explain your legal rights and guide you through the process.
• A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a nurse with special training to conduct a forensic medical examination to treat and document your injuries, provide medical information, and collect and preserve physical evidence that may be used to prosecute the perpetrator.
• A law enforcement officer will work with you to investigate the case.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT....

• To be treated with respect and dignity.
• To be assured of confidentiality.
• To choose whether or not to report the incident to law enforcement.
• To receive a free medical exam from a SANE nurse whether or not the crime is reported to the police.
• To request counseling services whether or not the crime is reported to the police.
• To be made aware of the medical, legal and social service options available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED....

• Go to a safe place such as the hospital.  If you are in immediate danger, require emergency medical assistance, or wish to report a sexual assault to the police call 911.
• Do not bathe, shower, wash, douche, brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, change your clothes, eat, drink, smoke, or urinate (if at all possible) prior to a forensic medical exam.
• Get immediate medical care.  You may have an injury and not even know it.  At the hospital ask for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) to conduct a forensic medical examination.  You may also need to be checked for any possible disease or pregnancy.
• Tell someone.  Speak to a friend or relative.  Go the hospital or call the police.