Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Sexual assault in kids is an alarming public health problem. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Children who are victims of sexual assault need special care. The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is specially trained to care for the complex physical, emotional and psychological needs of children who are victims of sexual assault. Available in both CHOP Emergency Departments (in Philadelphia and King of Prussia), SART is one of the few programs of its kind. Our specialists are committed to providing the best medical care and reducing additional harm for young people who have experienced sexual assault.
Follow-up care after sexual assault
After a victim of sexual assault is discharged from our Emergency Department, their care is transferred to physicians, social workers and psychologists with expertise in the critical issues of child abuse. Members of these dedicated programs provide coordinated follow-up care and trauma-based services to address long-term emotional and physical needs.
Meet your team
Our team includes nurses, advanced practice providers, child life specialists, social workers, pediatric emergency medicine and trauma physicians, child abuse pediatrics physicians and special immunology providers. All work together to streamline all elements of care.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) locations
Access our compassionate, experienced team at our two Emergency Departments.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) resources
Caring for a child with an injury or trauma can be overwhelming. We have resources to help support your child and your family as you cope with this experience.
Care provided: what to expect
When a victim or suspected victim of sexual assault comes to the E.D., the SART team will start by taking a medical history, a complete physical examination with photo documentation, forensic evidence collection, pregnancy and STI screening, and prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections. Depending upon the circumstances, Child Protective Services and police reports are filed. Given the potential for involvement of the court system for these patients, it is crucial that all information collected is clear and thorough. In addition to caring for the medical needs of the patient, team members can also:
- Help caregivers deal with challenging behaviors a child may be exhibiting due to stress and anxiety
- Help the caregiver and child process and understand medical information
- Help families navigate the different entities involved, including child welfare, legal and medical systems
- Educate caregivers about typical sexual development
- Improve the quality of communication between caregiver and child about difficult experiences
- Connect the patient to the appropriate behavioral health resources in the community
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