Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) at AWARE is committed to empowering survivors with compassionate, trauma-informed care and support. Our team provides immediate advocacy, safety planning, case management, and access to free, confidential counseling services. SART is a multi-disciplinary team comprised of local community partners and AWARE, working collaboratively to provide comprehensive support for survivors. With a victim-centered and offender-focused approach, we are here to ensure survivors feel safe, supported, and informed every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, SART is dedicated to guiding you through the healing and justice process.
Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors
Our Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is dedicated to providing
compassionate, survivor-centered support through every stage of the healing and justice journey. Here’s how we can help:
- Advocacy and Support: Survivors have the opportunity of accessing an advocate for immediate on-scene crisis response at the hospital or after calling 911. Advocates may offer immediate and continued support during a medical forensic exam and explain the process of the early stages of the criminal justice process.
- Victim-Centered, Offender-Focused Approach: Ensure a response that prioritizes the survivor’s well-being while maintaining accountability for offenders.
- Safety and Case Management: Address immediate safety concerns, assist with case management, and ensure survivors feel safe and informed.
- Free Trauma Counseling Referrals: Offer access to trauma counseling services, completely free and confidential.
Understanding Rape Trauma Syndrome
Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder that can develop after a sexual assault. Survivors may experience symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, social withdrawal, mood swings, and self-blame. This trauma moves through different stages without a set timeline, and each survivor’s journey is unique.
The Three Phases of RTS
- Acute Phase: Immediately following the assault, survivors may feel shock, denial, or extreme emotional distress. Memory gaps are common and normal.
- Outward Adjustment: In this phase, survivors might appear outwardly unaffected while struggling internally. This phase can last for months or even years, and often includes isolation and the development of coping mechanisms.
- Resolution/Integration: The final stage involves coming to terms with the trauma. While survivors may not forget, they work towards acceptance and validation. This process can be non-linear and often requires strong social support and trauma-informed counseling.
How to Support a Loved One with RTS
- Listen and validate their feelings.
- Avoid pressuring or shaming them.
- Encourage them to seek help.
AWARE, Inc. strives to eliminate domestic and sexual violence while promoting social change and empowering survivors by offering shelter and services.
Contact us
SHELTER ADDRESS
706 W. Michigan Avenue
Jackson, MI 49201
EMAIL
24-HOUR LOCAL HELPLINE
OFFICE PHONE
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