The SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) program brings together forensic nurse specialists, law enforcement agencies and sexual assault advocacy counselors in a joint venture to provide compassionate, comprehensive and culturally-sensitive treatment for sexual assault survivors in the South Bay and Harbor areas. A collaborative effort spearheaded by Little Company of Mary, the SART Center is based at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital. Soon, an additional site will open at the new Little Company of Mary Women's Care Center in Redondo Beach.

A unique community program, SART offers a multi-disciplinary approach, coordinating immediate and long-term medical care, advocacy, counseling and criminal justice services to sexual assault survivors, eliminating repetitive or unnecessary questioning and ensuring the proper collection of forensic evidence. The primary goal of SART is to ensure that victims of sexual assault receive compassionate care and professional treatment that will support their emotional, mental and physical health to the fullest extent possible.

Upon the report of a sexual assault, police officers will call dedicated hotlines to alert the team. SART professionals mobilize and within one hour,forensic nurse specialists and advocacy counselors meet with the victim and the officer at a private room located in San Pedro Peninsula Hospital.

The victim receives compassionate support from a trained sexual assault counselor. A single statement is taken for use by the counselor, hospital officials and the police. The victim is provided with a comprehensive exam, including colposcopic photographs, and treatment for physical injuries; the emergency room is nearby if immediate, more acute treatment is needed. The colposcopic photographs provide solid forensic evidence that often results in the successful conviction of sexual offenders. Participating nurse examiners are available to assist in the prosecution of sexual assault perpetrators by providing expert court testimony when required. Following the exam, advocates provide private, post-treatment counseling and referrals for on-going emotional and physical care.

All SART services are provided at no cost to the victim. Little Company of Mary, local law enforcement agencies and generous community donors fund the operating costs. For more information,call (310)514-5227 or (310)543-5976.