Sexual assault survivors in Washington County have a team on their side as they work through recovery. Advocate Deanna Hansen with the Rape Victim Advocacy Program is one member of that Sexual Assault Response Team, “The Sexual Assault Response Team is made up of law enforcement, county attorneys, advocates, and medical staff. And we work as a team to make sure that victims receive the best trauma-informed care possible.”

In most situations, calls of sexual assault first go to dispatch. From there, an officer will respond and take the initial report and speak with an investigator. That officer will also get a rape victim advocate involved to assist the victim through the process. Also, medical care would be sought, including counseling. Washington Police Lieutenant Ron See is another member of SART, “It’s stressful. It’s frustrating. It’s rewarding. You name it, it can be whatever happens to be the particular day. Sexual assaults are extremely difficult to prosecute. They’re even more frustrating because not only is the victim reliving everything they went through before, but you as a police officer, as an advocate, you go through a bit of that with them, and you feel for them. Your big thing is, is you want to give them the power to take back their life again, so they can get on, and get back into being productive, and successful citizen of not only Washington, but wherever they’re from.”

Hansen explains that the RVAP services are free and confidential. As an advocate she provides information to victims so they can decide what path to take, which may include prosecution. Washington County Attorney John Gish is also part of SART, as is investigator Chad Ellis. RVAP has a 24-hour confidential hotline available at 800-228-1625.