Collin County's Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) has been working to provide a victim-centered response to sexual assault cases since 2001. This collaborative and multidisciplinary team brings together professionals from various fields, including law enforcement agencies, medical staff, the District Attorney's office, the crime lab, and other providers to address the needs of survivors and improve the overall response to sexual assault within a community.
This February the SART presented its first biennial report to the Collin County Commissioner’s Court, which included an overview of the SART, data and findings related to sexual assault in Collin County, and our county-wide protocols for responding to adult sexual assault. Download and read the SART 2022-2023 Biennial Report at the end of this post.
In 2021, the 88th Legislative Assembly passed SB 476 requiring every county in Texas to form a SART to focus on adult survivors of sexual assault.
Benefits of an active SART include:
Comprehensive Support for Survivors: SARTs provide a range of services, including medical care, victim advocacy, counseling, and legal support, ensuring survivors have access to comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
Coordinated and Efficient Response: By bringing together professionals from different disciplines, SARTs facilitate a coordinated response to sexual assault cases. This collaboration helps streamline the investigative and support processes, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
Improved Evidence Collection: SARTs focus on improving the quality of evidence collection during forensic medical examinations. This can strengthen the legal case against perpetrators and contribute to more successful prosecutions.
Enhanced Victim-Centered Approach: SARTs prioritize the needs and well-being of survivors, fostering a victim-centered approach. This includes providing emotional support, informed consent, and ensuring survivors are actively involved in decision-making processes.
Increased Reporting and Prosecution Rates: A coordinated and supportive response from SARTs may contribute to increased reporting rates, as survivors feel more confident in coming forward. Additionally, the improved handling of cases may enhance prosecution rates.
Trauma-Informed Care: SARTs incorporate trauma-informed practices, recognizing the impact of trauma on survivors and tailoring responses to minimize retraumatization. This approach is crucial in providing sensitive and effective care.
Interdisciplinary Training: Professionals involved in SARTs receive interdisciplinary training, ensuring that they have a comprehensive understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities. This can lead to more effective collaboration and communication.
Increased Community Trust: A well-functioning SART contributes to increased trust between survivors and the various professionals involved in the response. This trust is vital in encouraging survivors to report incidents and seek help.
Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement: SARTs engage in continuous evaluation of their practices and outcomes, allowing for adjustments and improvements in the response system over time.
Download and read the SART 2022-2023 Biennial Report below.
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