About Comal SART
What we do:
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the training and availability of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) in Comal County and community outreach and education regarding sex crimes.
Prior to the formation of the SART, victims of sexual assault in Comal County were either transported by ambulance, law enforcement, or themselves to San Antonio or other cities for a sexual assault exam. This was a burden to the victim and the victim’s family, as the process was lengthy, far from home, and intimidating to children and families. The length of time it would take to get an exam posed a risk to losing evidence. Further, exchange of records and communication between investigators and hospital staff in San Antonio was difficult and caused a case to slow down considerably.
Since the formation of SART, victims in our county, particularly children, who are sexually abused are interviewed in our county and examined expeditiously in our county. The family is able to take their child to a hospital that they know and remain in their own community where resources and support are generous and accessible. The investigation of these cases is also expedited to resolution, creating a safer environment for children and their families.
Our History:
The SART Foundation of Comal County was created as a non-profit organization on May 17, 2005. Many of the founding members were those who had spent their careers in Comal County witnessing the increasing rise in sexual offenses, such as law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and crisis center advocates. Realizing that, due to the nature of such crimes, the most common hurdle to investigation and prosecution was the need for more tangible evidence, these founders worked together to create a community-based organization of doctors, nurses, and advocates who are specifically trained to collaboratively respond, investigate, and prosecute sex crimes.
