Alva Review-Courier -

Somewhere in America, a woman is sexually assaulted every two minutes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (2007). Researchers have found that one in six men have experienced abusive sexual experiences before age 18. In Oklahoma, a rape occurs every five hours, 50 minutes and 24 seconds (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations). Approximately two-thirds of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim. This can include a friend or acquaintance, someone in a close relationship with the victim, or a relative. We can – and must – respond effectively to the most under-reported crime in our nation, state and communities: sexual assault.

Sexual Assault Response and Resource Teams (SARRT) training is being offered for no cost at Northwest Technology Center, 1801 S. 11th St. in Alva, on Feb. 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This training is designed to assist communities with the development of a SARRT. A SARRT is a multi-disciplinary, inter-agency collaboration uniting its members in a coordinated victim-centered and offender focused approach to the intervention and care of sexual assault survivors while promoting effective investigation techniques and practices to enhance the criminal justice system.

This training is open to individuals who wish to learn more about SARRT teams and their effectiveness. This includes first responders, advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors or nurses, as well as the general public. This course is certified for 8 hours of CLEET credit including two mental health credit hours, eight hours of CDSVRP training and eight hours of RN Continuing Education through the California Board of Nursing. LPC, LMFT LCSW CEUs are available by individuals contacting the respective boards.

This training is free. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by contacting the Oklahoma Regional Community Policing Institute at [email protected] or by calling 405-416-5448.