Charting Future Directions

The SART model underscores the need for community responders to both work and respond together at any given time. The shared expertise, tailored to each victim, can ensure that the short- and long-term needs of victims are kept at the forefront of the process. This toolkit challenges you to assess current responses and consider your SART's future direction. Asking "what if?"can chart a course that embraces new, comprehensive solutions.

Some SARTs did ask "what if?," and came up with legislative solutions to help manage their costs and publicize the benefits of their multidisciplinary responses:

• Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Medical Response Fund (Oregon): This fund was established through legislative action to encourage appropriate medical care for victims by providing a stable, confidential means of payment for sexual assault medical exams and the collection of evidence.
• Funding for Sexual Assault Services (Illinois):Illinois law imposes a $200 fine on anyone convicted of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault, which is deposited in the Sexual Assault Services Fund. Monies from this fund are used by organizations that provide community-based services to victims of sexual assault.
• Statute Promoting SARTs (Virginia): This law requires that the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services "promote the use of local and regional sexual assault response team policy and protocol as an integral part of an effective coordinated community response to sexual assault."
• Funds for Rape Crisis Services (Florida): A Florida law imposes a $150 fine on certain convicted offenders. The fines are deposited into the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund, which provides funds to the state's rape crisis centers.
• Georgia Protocol Legislation: This law mandates that SART protocols be developed for each judicial circuit throughout Georgia.