Morris County – If recent news reports regarding Penn State and others has inspired you to help victims of sexual violence, there is a program available.

The Morris County Sexual Assault Center, part of Atlantic Health, will hold   its 40-hour training for the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Advocates on Wednesdays at 6pm, beginning September 12  and continuing until November 14th.  Topics covered will include advocacy, forensic exams, crisis intervention, legal rights, domestic violence and partner assault, suicide assessment, medical treatment and consent issues, and answering hotline calls.

The SART, a collaboration between the Morris County Sexual Assault Center and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and responds to all Morris County hospitals. Comprised of the Advocate, law enforcement, and a forensic nurse, the team is able to provide assistance to anyone ages 13 years or older, who has been the victim of any type of sexual assault.

Prospective volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and have both a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. The training is free but Advocates need to be willing to make a commitment to take several 12-hour monthly shifts where they will be on-call to respond to victims. Volunteers will also need to pass a security background check.

For more information regarding the SART training, please call Denise Lang, Coordinator, at (973) 971-4754.