NCJ Number
252794
Date Published
March 2006
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings and methodology of a survey conducted to determine the organization and administration of Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) nationally as an introductory "portrait" of collaborative responses to the various needs of rape victims, as well as to collect data on SART training and technical assistance needs for inclusion in a forthcoming National SART Toolkit.
Abstract
The survey defined "SART" as "an intervention model for sexual violence that includes a core group of disciplines working together, formally or informally." Key survey responders were victim advocates, law enforcement officers, forensic examiners, crime lab personnel, and prosecutors. Most survey responses came from agencies that represented victim services, healthcare, law enforcement, statewide coalitions, military, higher education, prosecution, social services, and civil legal. Three U.S. territories and 49 states were represented in survey responses. The survey findings generally indicate that multidisciplinary teams are most often called SARTs, with teams defining a SART as a Sexual Assault Response or Resource Team. Other jurisdictions assign other names to the multidisciplinary teams that focus on sexual assault cases. Overall, SART offices were most often listed as victim advocacy agencies. Other settings for SART control centers included healthcare facilities, campuses, law enforcement agencies, and family justice centers. Other information provided from the survey includes the frequency of team meetings; guidelines/protocols; training; recommendations for meeting the needs of underserved populations; and guidelines for SARTs within campus, military, and tribal communities. Survey information is also provided on collaboration characteristics, funding, the extent and types of services provided, and methods used to measure and maintain quality assurance. Those who administered the survey indicate that the findings are only a baseline "portrait" of sexual assault teams nationally and constitute a "work-in-progress." 15 tables