When you call the Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T.) (305) 798-6666, an advocate will answer and give you his/her first name.  In order to protect your anonymity, please do not provide your name.  Advocates are volunteers trained by the Counseling Center--UM graduate students, faculty or staff members.  The S.A.R.T. phone itself is a cellular phone which the advocate carries 24 hours a day for a 7 day shift during the regular academic year.  During the Summer, phone calls should be directed to UM Public Safety (305)284-6666) or the Rape Treatment Center (Jackson office-(305)585-5185 Hotline-(305)585-7273).

Tell the advocate why you called.  If you have recently been sexually assaulted, her/his first concern will probably be to be sure you are safe.  Let the advocate know what you need--do you want to talk? Do you need information? Do you want to report the assault?  If you don't know what you need, the advocate will help you figure that out.

Advocates are trained to be knowledgeable about all aspects of sexual assault.  They are aware that victim responses can be extremely varied, but that victims are almost always scared.  The advocate will try to help you calm down and make a plan.  If you wish, s/he can meet you on campus or at the Jackson Hospital Rape Treatment Center to speak to you personally.

You may also call S.A.R.T. if you wish to discuss an assault that occurred some time ago, if you want information, or if you want to help someone you know who has been assaulted.  S.A.R.T. advocates can give you information about resources both on and off campus.

The S.A.R.T. advocate will always leave decisions about what to do in your hands.  The advocate will probably encourage you to report the assault but will NEVER insist that you do so.

If you decide to talk to the police, the S.A.R.T. advocate can meet you to provide support, or may ask you if s/he can call you back the next day to see how you are doing and to answer questions.  If you decide to go to the Rape Treatment Center for a rape exam, the advocate can tell you what to expect, and can accompany you or meet you there.  If you decide to go to the Counseling Center, Health Center, or Dean of Students, S.A.R.T. can let you know what to expect.  S.A.R.T. volunteers are there to listen, and to care. Services are available to men as well as women.