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Rural Sexual Assault Response Teams

Rural Sexual Assault Response Teams

The Sexual Violence Justice Institute (SVJI) is a national program operating within the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA). SVJI creates long-term sustainable systems responses to sexual violence that meet the specific needs of each community. Since 2013, we have provided those awarded with OVW rural grants the support and assistance they need to improve their multi-disciplinary collaborations. We develop resources, tools, and provide one-on-one assistance that honors the strength and creativity of rural communities while also addressing the challenges that come with living in rural places.

OVW Rural grant recipients and other rural communities have access to attending SVJI events, offering in-person trainings, accessing webinars and resources, receiving one-on-one assistance, and get in-depth support to build up their response.

Through our years of experience and your expertise in your community, we will work together to craft the information and resources you need to support and sustain collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams like a Sexual Assault Response Team in your community. We look forward to being a resource as well as connecting you to other national technical assistance providers. Connect with us through the form below or you can call or email our team. Let’s do great work, together.

The Rural Sexual Violence Response National Conference

Hosted by the Sexual Violence Justice Institute at MNCASA, the Rural Sexual Violence Response National Conference is a biannual conference that brings together sexual violence responders from across the country to build stronger multidisciplinary teams and create effective team processes. The goal of the conference is to guide multidisciplinary teams through the development, implementation, and evaluation of their community’s response to sexual violence.

Connection Calls

Our Connection Calls are monthly virtual discussions focused on addressing the current needs of sexual assault response teams (SARTs) and connecting SART leaders and coordinators nationally. Connection Calls are hosted in collaboration with the National SART TTA project.

Past topics of Connection Calls include:

  • SARTs and Rural SANE Programs
  • Planning for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  • Meeting Facilitation
  • Onboarding New Team Members

Join us for our next call!

Rural Realities Blog Posts

Developing and Sustaining Meaningful Partnerships

By Fatima Jayoma Welcome to the Rural Realities Blog! This blog is about meaningful collaboration with community partners. Sexual assault response teams (SARTs) build relationships…

Conference Announcement: Rural Sexual Violence Response National Conference

By Miranda Gonzalez Paul We have some exciting news! The Rural Sexual Violence Response National Conference is returning in June of 2024! This conference…

Resource Highlight: Onboarding and Success Planning

By Heather Blanton and Madeline Gonser Welcome to the Rural Realities Blog! This blog will be highlighting the new resources, Developing an Effective Onboarding…

See All Rural Realities

Member-Hosted Event: Annual Candlelight Vigil (Breaking Free)

Join Breaking Free for a Candlelight Vigil: Honoring Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation In recognition of National Crime Victims Awareness week, Breaking Free is proud…

Member-Hosted Event: DENIM DAY Drink, Dine, & Donate (Sexual Assault Services)

DENIM DAY Drink, Dine, & Donate On Denim Day (Wednesday, April 24th, 2024) Dunmire’s Bar & Grill & Dunmire’s on the Lakes will be donating…

Contact us for more information about rural trainings and support.

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