MOBILE RESPONSE TEAM

The Rape Recovery Center’s Mobile Response Team provides victims of sexual violence, advocacy support at all times. Advocacy is provided at any hospital in Salt Lake County, the Family Justice Center, and the Utah State Correctional Facility following a sexual assault.

Within five to six days of an assault, a victim of sexual assault has the option to have a sexual assault forensic examination performed. Alternatively, any victim of sexual assault has the right to decline forensic evidence collection but still seek medical attention following a sexual assault. In either case, a specialized forensic nurse will perform the exam and offer medication that prevents pregnancy and certain sexually transmitted infections.

When a victim of sexual assault arrives at the emergency room, the hospital personnel will call a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), who will dispatch an advocate from our agency. The Mobile Response Team staff will respond to the hospital within 30 minutes. The advocates on this team are certified crisis counselors and hold confidentiality*.

The Mobile Response Team advocates remain with the victim before, during, and after the medical interview and examination to explain procedures, answer questions, and advocate for the victim. The Mobile Response Team staff can also act as a liaison between medical staff, law enforcement, or any of the victim’s family or friends who may be present. Additionally, the Mobile Response Team staff may be able to assist with logistical or other advocacy concerns pertaining to the victim’s return to a safe place following the exam.

In all cases involving victims 13 years or younger, services are offered through Primary Children’s Medical Center and their Center for Safe and Healthy Families. If you have any questions concerning the forensic exam or hospital response team, please contact us at (801) 467-7282.

*Although these advocates are Confidential Communicators through the Confidential Communications Act (78-3c) of 1994, they are still subject to mandatory reporting laws. Mandatory reporting laws usually affect those younger than 18 years of age, those older than 65, and individuals with specific disabilities.