GALVESTON, Texas - The Galveston County Sexual Assault Response Team will sign a new cooperative working agreement on Wednesday, March 4, at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Created in September 2001, the Galveston County SART includes local law enforcement agencies, UTMB’s sexual assault nurse examiners, the Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County, the Advocacy Center for Children, the ABC Clinic and the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
According to the agreement, members will work together to investigate, gather evidence and prosecute cases while providing sensitive, immediate- and long-term support to victims. SART members agree that the needs and interests of sexual assault survivors will be a consideration throughout the life of the cases. In addition, SART members agree that survivors will not be blamed for or made to feel responsible for their assaults regardless of the circumstances surrounding the situation.
“I am extremely proud of our sexual assault nurse examiner program and the highly specialized care that our nurses provide,” said Karen H. Sexton, interim executive vice-president and chief executive officer for UTMB. “It is an honor to partner with Galveston County on this important initiative.”
According to Chantea Palmer, director of non-residential services at the RCCGC, SART represents a commitment from participating agencies to provide a coordinated, sensitive response to sexual assaults occurring in Galveston County.