Before SART was created in San Diego 10 years ago, rape victims were transported to emergency rooms with other patients. It was a humiliating experience for many victims, who had to wait for hours before being examined. And many emergency room doctors don't necessarily know how to examine a rape victim. At the SART facility, evidence is carefully collected and stored until the case goes to court. The victim can then take a shower.
Every woman is given spare clothing to wear home.
Victims are then given access to follow-up counseling and an advocate from the DA's office to help them survive the devastating crime.