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Services
Index:
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We Listen
Were you recently sexually assaulted? Do you have concerns about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and injuries? Do you wonder whether or not you should call the police? We'll listen.
24-hour phone line: 715-425-6443 or Toll-free: 866-650-SART
Believe in yourself. And know there are people who will believe you. The nurses and advocates at the SART Center will.
Know that when you are forced to have ANY form of sexual contact without your consent, it is not your fault. Know that because someone has done this to you does NOT mean that you asked for it. Know that you have been assaulted. Know that a crime has been committed against YOU.
It is vital that you go to a safe place and contact someone you trust. Ask your trusted friend to come to you wherever you are, as long as it is a safe place. Tell that person what happened.
You can either call the police right away or get medical help right away. If you aren’t sure if you want to report the crime to the police, give us a call and we'll talk to you about your options. Have your friend (s) bring you to the SART Center. They can wait for you at the SART Center, have a beverage and regroup.
Email SART
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Forensic Nurse Examiner or SART Nurse
We have experienced RNs that are trained to physically and emotionally help victims of sexual assault. The SART Nurse will examine you for the possibility of injuries, talk to you about any concerns regarding pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, and collect evidence if you want.
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Don't change your clothes, wash or bathe before going to the SART Center. Every piece of evidence will be needed to identify the assailant. Even if you think you aren't going to report the crime, we'd like to collect evidence anyway. We'll lock it up and keep it safe until you are ready to report to the police. Also, having evidence collected, qualifies you for help to pay for bills through WI Crime Victim Compensation even if you aren't reporting.
The medical forensic examination includes addressing the patient’s medical needs and forensic needs which includes:
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Interviewing the patient to obtain a history of the events
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A pelvic examination with a speculum to obtain biological evidence (perpetrator's DNA)
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Evaluate, analyze and document genital injuries
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Body inspection to evaluate, analyze and treat physical injuries
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Collect and preserve forensic evidence
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Document, interpret and present findings to law enforcement and District Attorney
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Draw blood and collect urine specimens for toxicology testing in cases of suspected drug facilitated rape
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Offer medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and pregnancy
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Testify in court
The SART Nurse Examiner works to help preserve the victim’s dignity and reduce psychological trauma. We also want to help end sexual violence by successful prosecution of the suspect. The evidence the Nurse Examiner collects from the victim and sometimes the suspect, can help the police put the pieces of the puzzle of the investigation together. Evidence can set someone free or convict someone by helping to link the victim and suspect to the crime scene. Also, during the exam, the Nurse Examiner may find indications of sexual penetration or activity, and help establish lack of victim consent. Establishing lack of consent is particularly important in the prosecution of nonstranger cases or "date rape" cases. Date rape is the most common type of sexual assault. Most victims know the assailant.
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Client Support Volunteer
TheClient Support Volunteers are community members who volunteer to be on call and provide emotional support to the victim and the victim's loved ones. Examinations of sexual assault victims can be time-consuming and very emotionally intense because both the psychological and medical condition of the victim must be attended to. The Volunteer is present to comfort the victim and help ease the examination process. The Client Support Volunteer can also offer support to victims during the police interview.
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Client Services Coordinator
Mock victim volunteer Sandy Wurm- Client Advocate
The Client services Coordinator is available to help with after-care options. After the exam is completed, victims often ask “What do I do now?” Many are emotionally paralyzed by the assault and need guidance and support. The first several weeks following an assault is critical as this is a high-risk stage for suicide and other distructive behaviors.
Victims can receive follow-up and supportive services via telephone or face-to-face depending on the needs of the client. Services include peer counseling, referrals for professional counseling, assistance with reporting the crime to the police, assistance in finding medical follow-up care, if needed, and help with Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation to pay for any out-of-pocket costs because of the crime committed against the client.
click here to email the Client Services Advocate
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Suspect Evidence Collection
Suspects: A Nurse Examiners contact with sex offenders or "persons of interest" is always at the jail or local hospital with a Police Officer present. Suspects are never brought to the SART Center.
Offenders/Suspect Evidence Collection
Our Nurse Examiners are experts in the field of evidence collection. SART provides law enforcement and the courts with medical and legal evidence collection on offenders or suspects of interpersonal violence. This service is only provided at the request of law enforcement, District Attorneys or the courts via a search warrant or court order at the hospitals or jails in St. Croix and Pierce counties. Evidence is given to the officer to assist in the investigation and prosecution of the offender. Evidence collected can prove contact with the victim or exclude the person of interest.
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SART Recommendations for Follow-Up Care
TESTING FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND HIV
St. Croix Obstetrics and Women’s Health Protocol: Only three visits needed. Patients with insurance only please.
- 10-14 days: Please call and make an appointment to test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia, which can be successfully treated, and to begin Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) series: the first of 3 doses occurs at the time of examination with your medical provider, then at 1 month and at 6 months.
- 30 days: syphilis test and HIV DNA test that detects the virus before sero-conversion or the span of time when the virus may be present but not yet detectable in the blood. This test is more expensive than traditional testing. (Insurance required)
- 60 days: repeat HIV test (Western Blot HIV test) no further testing needed.
Public Health or other clinics Five visits needed
- 10-14 days: Please call and make an appointment to test for successful prevention of gonorrhea and Chlamydia and to begin Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) series: the first of 3 doses occurs at the time of examination with your medical provider, then at 1 month and at 6 months.
- 4-6 weeks: See your medical provider for syphilis test and repeat pregnancy test if needed and first HIV test
- 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year: Follow-up HIV tests.
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