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Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is an on-call support network for students at RISD. The goal of SART is to serve as an on-campus resource/advocate for students who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct.

As defined in RISD’s Code of Student Conduct, sexual misconduct is defined as “[e]ngaging in any form of sexual contact or conduct with another without that person’s clear, knowing and voluntary consent. For purposes of this provision, (a) it is the responsibility of the person seeking to initiate sexual contact or conduct to affirmatively obtain such consent, not of the intended recipient of such contact or conduct to affirmatively deny such consent, and (b) valid consent cannot be obtained from a person whose ability to make decisions is obviously substantially impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants or by mental or physical condition; who is unaware that the sexual contact or conduct is being committed; or who is compelled or coerced to grant consent by force, threat of force, deception, or supervisory or disciplinary authority.”

Who is SART?
The SART program is a new on-campus resource for students who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. It is an on-call support group for students. The SART are RISD staff and faculty members who have received training in sexual assault crisis response and advocacy.

SART advocates are available to help students understand the available options in the event of a sexual assault or other instance of sexual misconduct and to provide support throughout the entire process of dealing with it. They are advocates for the students and will help support students with their decision of how to proceed in the event they feel they are the victims of sexual misconduct. This includes meeting the student on campus when the incident occurs, accompanying the student to the hospital for a Sexual Assault Exam Kit (SAEK) if the student wishes, explaining the college disciplinary procedures for adjudicating a case on campus, and going with the student to Public Safety/police if the student wishes to inform them.

To get in contact with SART please contact, your Resident Assistant (RA), an Area Coordinator (AC), a Public Safety (PS) Officer, or a staff member in Student Affairs at 401 454-6600. The person on the phone will put you in touch with a SART advocate.  All conversations with a SART advocate are confidential within certain limitations.

When to Contact SART

• If you think sexual misconduct has occurred but are not sure
• If you don’t remember what happen the night before but physically feel like you had intercourse
• If you question whether consent was freely given
• If you are concerned about a friend
• If you have questions about sexual misconduct

Who Can Help You Contact SART
You may ask your Resident Assistant (RA), an Area Coordinator (AC), a Public Safety (PS) Officer, or a staff member in Student Affairs. For further information and other resources, take a look at the Campus O.N.E. pamphlet available in campus offices.

What you should know when you contact a SART Advocate

• Your call will be confidential within certain limitations.
• The SART member will provide non-judgmental and professional support, information, and referrals; explain campus sexual misconduct policies and procedures; be your advocate; and offer guidance through the entire process. 
• You will be able to speak with a SART member who is trained in sexual assault crisis response and first-aid.
• Should you prefer to speak specifically with either a man or a woman, one will be available.
• The SART advocate will come to campus to meet with you if you wish.
• The SART advocate will help you decide if you want to go to the hospital and/or public safety/police, and if so will go with you if you wish.