The Sexual Assault Response Team and Forensic Services at Providence St. Mary Medical Center ensures survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence receive immediate, compassionate and trauma‑informed care without added obstacles during an already overwhelming moment.
SART brings together a specially trained forensic nurse examiner, a victim advocate and community health worker to provide coordinated support from the moment a survivor arrives. The team prioritizes immediate safety, dignity and respect of the patient’s choices, creating a supportive environment where survivors can access medical care, forensic services and advocacy in one place.
In an effort to expand care in the community, SART and Forensic Services provide trauma‑informed care for not only survivors of sexual assault, but for individuals affected by domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking and other forms of interpersonal violence. By integrating specialized forensic and advocacy services into the Emergency Department, individuals can receive the help they need right away.
“You are not alone,” said Katie Berrios, nurse practitioner and manager of the SART and Forensic Services program. “We hear far too many stories from people who have felt isolated or stigmatized after experiencing violence. Our team is deeply compassionate, and our goal is to remove that sense of alienation. We want people to know they are supported and that there are others in this community who are here for them.”
Providence St. Mary Medical Center is the only hospital in the High Desert with a dedicated SART and forensic services program, making it a critical access point for survivors across a geographically vast and underserved region. Through its multidisciplinary approach, the program removes barriers to care and helps survivors take the first steps toward healing, stability and hope.
