~Contact Process~
Each county has a specially trained team of qualified professionals called the Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T.). This team consists of a law enforcement officer, a Forensic Nurse Examiner, and a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate. For survivors 13 years of age and older who have been sexually assaulted within the past seven (7) days, these services are offered free of charge. This team can be contacted by the survivor in a couple of different ways: by visiting a participating emergency room (Trinitas in Elizabeth, Overlook in Summit, or RWJ in Rahway), visiting your nearest police department, or contacting our Rape Crisis Center hotline at 908.233.7273.
~Member Roles~
Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate (CSVA)
CSVAs receive highly specialized, ongoing training on the dynamics of sexual violence, the effects that trauma can have on survivors, and best practices for supporting and empowering survivors when interacting with various systems. As a part of SART, CSVAs support survivors and their loved ones by:
- Providing crisis intervention and emotional support while maintaining victim confidentiality;
- Offering service referrals and information on resources;
- Accompanying survivors through medical, legal, and court procedures.
A law enforcement officer can gather information about what you experienced. The law enforcement officer can take a report and start an investigation. The case will be strengthened when law enforcement obtains information in a timely manner. This service is available at the survivor's request. However, the survivor has the option, and the right, to choose NOT to report at this time and still have the exam performed. This is what we call a Jane/John Doe option. Click HERE for more information on this option.
Forensic Nurse Examiner
A Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE), also known as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE),can perform a medical forensic examination. The FNE/SANE will explain your options and will answer any questions you may have about the examination, provide medication, address medical concerns, and make aftercare referrals. This service is available at the survivor's request.
*Please try to preserve any clothing worn during or after the assault in a paper bag. Please note that these clothing will be kept as evidence and may NOT be returned to you.