Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs): Exploring Collaboration and Coordination Among Law Enforcement Agencies and Service Providers

• In Event: Diverse Populations and Diverse Needs: Variation in How Victims of Crime are Served by the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) are designed to bring together those providing direct services to victims of sexual assault, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) and criminal justice personnel to 1) increase the likelihood of prosecution by enhancing evidence collection while facilitating coordination in communication among all parties in the process, and 2) to assist victims in coping with their traumatic experiences through counseling and support, especially as a case makes its way through the criminal justice system. While guidelines and toolkits exist to support the development of SARTs, scant research exist on how these teams are organized, the environments in which they operate and the methods used to assist victims and promote successful prosecution.

The present study addresses this gap in the literature by detailing the role of the SARTs in criminal justice response to victims of sexual assault. Using a case study approach, we examine the variations of SARTs in 5 jurisdictions representing diverse communities across the US. Specifically, we identify the collaboration and coordination of key players (law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, health workers and social service providers) and explore the impact on prosecutorial decision making in sexual assault cases and provision of services to victims.

Authors

• Melissa Schaefer Morabito, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

• Juliana Huard, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

• April Pattavina, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

• Linda Williams, University of Massachusetts, Lowell