What is a SART Exam?

A SART, is a forensic exam to collect evidence of a sexual assault. These exams can be done at any age, from infant to an older adult. SART stands for Sexual Assault Response Team.

The SART exam can be a very invasive procedure where a forensic nurse collects evidence. The nurse will swab genitals, the mouth, and other areas that may contain bodily fluids from the person who harmed the victim. If there are injuries, the nurse will photograph and document them for their report. In some cases, the nurse will collect a blood sample.

If the victim is wearing the clothing they were assaulted in, they will have to leave them behind as evidence. If the assault was recent, the victim cannot eat, drink, or shower until the exam is completed in order to preserve any evidence there may be.

What roles do Valley Crisis Center Advocates play in the SART Exam?

The role of an advocate during the SART process is as a support person. The advocate may help with transportation and emotional support before, during and after the exam. Having an advocate ensures that the police or nurse treats the victim with respect and honors any boundaries they may have. Advocates are also present to help clarify the process and answer any questions. 

Advocates will also follow up with the victim within 72 business hours to check in, as long as the victim has a safe number for them to contact.

Preguntas frecuentes

If you were recently sexually assaulted, you have the choice of making a police report. If you choose to report to the police, you have the right to request an advocate from Valley Crisis Center to be present during the report. You also have the right to a forensic exam depending on how long ago the assault happened. If the assault is more than 5 days old, the exam may be declined.

If you choose to report and would like an exam, it is recommended that you do not shower, eat, or wash your mouth out as that could affect the evidence collection.

In California, a victim has the right to a free sexual assault forensic medical exam. However, for it to be free, it must be reported to the police. The victim can however, choose to do what is called a “Jane Doe” report where they remain confidential. 

For more information, head aquí.

The primary purpose of the exam is to collect evidence. Collecting evidence within 72 hours is preferred. After 5 days, there could be little to no evidence remaining, especially if the victim showers and washes their clothes.

If the victim was injured during the assault, those injuries may remain visible, but any bodily fluids left behind will no longer be usable.

Depending on what happened during the assault, showering, eating, or even brushing your teeth can remove any evidence that was left behind. 

Any clothing you were wearing during the assault may also be collected for evidence.

The MDIC or Multidisciplinary Interview Center is intended to reduce the number of interviews and decrease the number of people who will talk to your child. The MDIC is for professionals such as social workers, the police, and nurses, to ask questions to determine if your child was hurt in any way. 

No. It is recommended that you don’t talk to your child about what happened or try to get more information about the incident. This can impact the information the professionals will gather. 

You can, however, remind your child that you believe them and tha) t you support them no matter what.

If you do have questions about preparing yourself for the MDIC, Valley Crisis Center is here to support. You can call us anytime at (209) 722-4357.

The exam location depends on where the police arrange it. There are locations in Los Banos, Madera, Merced, Modesto, and Fresno. These locations are not necessarily within the same company, medical practice or organization.

Arranging the exam depends heavily on which site is available the soonest but can also depend on the law enforcement agencies preference. 

Valley Crisis Center does not have the ability to make requests where the exam is held.

We can provide transportation to the victim as long as they are over 18. If the victim is under 18, we require an adult who is the parent or guardian to accompany the victim. 

Transportation space is limited to the company vehicle used, as such we prefer that we only transport the victim, their parent/guardian if they are under 18, or a support person. We have a limit of 3 – 6 spaces available depending on the vehicle available and if car seats are needed.

If a MDIC is arranged and transportation is needed for children still in car seats or boosters, please let the advocate know. We have a limited number of seats and may not have enough in the size you need. 

Yes. Advocates can stay in the waiting room for the exam to be completed. It is your choice if you would like our support during the exam or not.

Yes. If you have arranged transportation after the exam and do not want our support other than for transportation, we are happy to just drop you off at the exam site.

If the police recommended that you not eat before the exam, it is because they are concerned about evidence collection. 

After the exam, advocates can take you to a fast-food place and purchase a meal for you, depending on locations available at the time.

Yes!

When a victim needs to leave their clothing for evidence, advocates try to provide a change of clothing, at no cost. 

However, due to limitations on funding, we rely on community donations. Check out our wish-list and scroll down to the SART Request section for supplies we are always in need of.