What is the role of the SARC in a sexual assault incident?

The role of the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) is crucial in ensuring that a comprehensive and coordinated response is available to individuals who have experienced sexual assault. The SARC is responsible for tracking and coordinating sexual assault services, which involves facilitating access to various resources, including medical care, legal assistance, and counseling services. This coordination helps streamline the support system and ensures that victims receive the appropriate care and resources in a timely manner.

While direct medical care and forensic examinations are important aspects of the response to sexual assault, these responsibilities typically fall to medical professionals and forensic examiners. The SARC does not provide these services directly; instead, they work to connect victims with the professionals who can offer the needed care. Similarly, psychological counseling is a specialized service that is provided by trained mental health professionals, not by the SARC.

Thus, the primary function of the SARC is to create a network of support and ensure that victims are aware of and can access the various services available to them after an incident of sexual assault. This makes the role of the SARC an essential component in the effective response to sexual assault incidents.