The Behavioral and Human Services Division provides a comprehensive array of services for victims of sexual assault. The services are free to all adult and adolescent victims of crime and their significant others, and are provided in a free-standing Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC), located on the campus of Shands Jacksonville.
The following specialized services are provided:
- Medical/Forensic Examinations within 72 hours of the assault
- Anonymous HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling
- Individual Therapy/Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Advocacy and support for safety, medical, emotional, legal, and economic issues
- Prevention and Education Programs
- 24 Hour Hotline (244-RAPE, or 7273)
- 24 Hour Sexual Assault Response Team
The sexual assault team consists of a full-time Program Manager, one full-time Sexual Assault Advocate, one Social Services Aide, two Medical Counselors and two Sexual Assault Examiners. The team is available within 45 minutes, 24 hours a day.
Medical Counselors are medical assistants and nurses trained in forensic evidence collection and rape crisis counseling; they assist the examination procedure and are first responders. Sexual Assault Examiners are advanced registered nurse practitioners and physicians trained in forensic evidence collection, victim sensitivity and expert witness testimony. A Nurse Practitioner also provides medical follow up services at a weekly clinic.
SARC collaborates with Hubbard House, Inc., to provide 24-hour response for safety planning in domestic violence situations, as well as two weeks shelter for rape victims as needed. The Women's Center of Jacksonville provides Rape Recovery Advocacy Services 24 hours a day to assist victims' access to services and additional therapy options. Therapy sessions are offered by SARC, the Women's Center of Jacksonville and the UNF Women's Center.
Contact:
The Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC)
2104 Boulevard
(on the corner of 11th Street and Boulevard)
(904) 244-4600 or (904) 244-RAPE / FAX 244-4653