Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team (SARRT)

For more than 38 years, the Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team (SARRT) has been a committed program within AHS, catering to one of Alameda County’s most vulnerable populations. Operating out of Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus (WCHHC), SARRT is a unique hospital and clinic-based program that addresses both domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA). Being the sole program of its kind in California, SARRT operates on full grant funding through federal and state funds facilitated by the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). Since its inception in 1984, SARRT has been extending comprehensive support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking, aged 14 and above, including their families.

A Collaborative Approach

SARRT operates within interdisciplinary teams, prioritizing safety, and trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Our confidential crisis line, linked with the national hotline service RAINN, ensures round-the-clock support for anyone in need of crisis intervention.

Contact us to learn more about our services or to speak with a member of our dedicated team.

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Based out of Wilma Chan Highland Hospital, SARRT provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including:

  • 24-hour crisis line support
  • Advocacy and accompaniment for medical services, sexual assault forensic exams, law enforcement interviews and court hearings
  • Survivor driven advocacy and follow-up services.
  • Safety Planning
  • Victim of crime application assistance
  • Group and individual counseling
  • Community education and outreach
  • 65-hour volunteer training
  • Referrals for community-based resources and emergency shelter

All services are confidential, free of charge and offered within a trauma-informed, culturally competent framework. Services are offered in English and Spanish with translation for other languages is available.

How to refer to or access SARRT services:

General Public

AHS staff

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors used to maintain power and control in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it is important to get connected with an advocate who can provide support and referrals. Abusive partners are often very good at isolating their partner from family and friends. As a result, victims may feel ashamed and alone and believe that no one would understand. If you are being abused, know that you are not alone and that the abuse is not your fault, no matter what the abuser tells you.

SARRT can provide you with information on obtaining a restraining order, referrals for emergency shelter, accompany you to a court hearing, provide counseling and more.

Need more information? Call our 24-hour hotline 510.534.9290 or email us at sarrtinfo@alamedahealthystem.org today (email response within 24 hours).

Learn more about the dynamics of domestic violence.

You Have Rights – Sexual Assault

Sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all genders and ages. Recovering from sexual assault or abuse is a process, and that process looks different for everyone. It may take weeks, months, or years: there’s no timetable for healing. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, it is not your fault, you are not alone.

SARRT can help you sort through your options, accompany you to medical and/or legal appointments, provide counseling and refer you to resources and support.

Need more information? Call our 24-hour hotline 510.534.9290 or email us at sarrtinfo@alamedahealthystem.org today (email response within 24 hours).

Learn more about sexual violence.

24-hour hotline: 510.534.9290
Email: sarrtinfo@alamedahealthystem.org (response within 24 hours)


Victims of Crime Compensation

If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, contact us.

Alameda County Family Justice Center

The Family Justice Center (FJC) is a one-stop community support center with 30 onsite agencies and programs for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, child abduction, elder and dependent adult abuse, and human trafficking.

CA Sexual Assault Kit Location and Status Website
This website enables survivors of CA sexual assault crimes to find out information about the status and location of their sexual assault kits.

CA Sexual Assault Kits Frequently Asked Questions

Learn information about CA legislation pertaining to sexual assault kits, kit processing times, the statewide tracking data base.

VINE

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) is a free, secure, and confidential way to access custody status and criminal case information.

SARRT offers on-going weekly open support groups for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. These groups are held at WCHH in the E-wing on the first floor in the E1 Conference Room located near the SARRT offices near the Dental Clinic. No registration is necessary and parking vouchers are available for all attending survivors.

Support Group Information:

Domestic Violence Survivor Support Group

Date/Time of group: Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group

Date/Time of group: Tuesdays 3-4 p.m.

Sex Trafficking Survivor Group

Date/Time of group: Thursdays 10-11 a.m.

Short-term counseling support for survivors of recent incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking is available. For individuals who do have access to counseling services elsewhere SARRT can help with up to 10 free sessions. An intake is required. For more information contact our Sexual Assault Coordinator Dawn Dougherty at ddougherty@alamedahealthsystem.org or sarrtinfo@alamedahealthsystem.org.

Education and training on the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, supporting survivors, handling disclosures, the SARRT program and our services, etc. are available. Sessions are tailored to your needs and available for general populations as well as professionals. For more information contact our Sexual Assault Coordinator Dawn Dougherty at ddougherty@alamedahealthsystem.org or sarrtinfo@alamedahealthsystem.org.

Thank you for considering volunteering with SARRT. Volunteer opportunities include staffing our 24-hour hotline, providing medical and legal accompaniment, and assisting with special projects and events. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of eight hours per month for a consistent 12-month cycle.

Prior to volunteering, volunteers must:

  • Complete the state-mandated 65-hour sexual assault and domestic violence advocate training.
    • SARRT offers this training once per year, usually starts in September and ends in October.
  • Consent to a criminal background check.
  • Complete a 4-hour Alameda Health System volunteer training.
  • Complete a health screening.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact our Sexual Assault Coordinator Dawn Dougherty at ddougherty@alamedahealthsystem.org or sarrtinfo@alamedahealthsystem.org.