May 15, 2007
By Colleen Palacios, SART Leader
Anyone is a potential victim of sexual assault. In order to meet the needs of sexual assault victims, it is important that victims call for help and report what has happened.
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta has a system in place to provide immediate medical, advocacy, and legal services to all assault victims.
The Sexual Assault Response Team is the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta's first responder to sexual assault incidents. Often called the SART, the Sexual Assault Response Team serves the entire Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and is a coalition of many community-based organizations, people, and groups, including Bethel Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, the Tundra Women's Coalition, the Children's Advocacy Center, various social and criminal justice agencies, and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital's (YKDRH) Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners.
Who are the first responders?
Tribal, local and regional law enforcement members normally respond first to the scene of an assault. After protecting the patient and initially interviewing the victim, the officer will notify the YKDRH Emergency Room (ER) that a sexual assault patient will arrive soon and will request that a specially trained advocate accompany the patient in the ER. The advocate provides comprehensive support for the patient throughout the evaluation process.
What role does YKDRH play?
The SART is specifically trained to guide the patient in the most humane, careful, and compassionate way through the evaluation and legal process. Forensic examiners at our hospital perform thorough and appropriate exams; collect, collate, and protect evidence; and ensure the safety of the patient. They also play a pivotal role in providing legal testimony in the courtroom. The SART is either on-site or on-call every hour of every day.
Why is this information important?
It's important for you to know that the services we provide are focused on the needs of our patients. Our patients are protected, not blamed, and the legal process concentrates on the evidence, assuring a fair evaluation. We have a dedicated group of professionals working together to care for the needs of our patients and make our communities safer places.
To report an incident, please call Bethel Police Department at 543-3781, the Alaska State Troopers at 543-2294, or your village or local law enforcement agency. If you or a loved one has been assaulted, an advocate is available at 543-3456.
For more information about SART, please contact Colleen Palacios, 1-800-478-3321 ext. 6452 or 543-6452.