In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley is sharing data from its Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
The medical center has offered insight into how the SART program is serving the High Desert, with data from July through December 2025, showing more than 30 survivors of sexual assault receiving forensic medical exams through the program.
During that same period, the SART program supported nearly 300 patients overall, including 240 individuals who received care related to domestic violence or other cases, St. Mary officials stated.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino County crime statistics — as with similar figures elsewhere — offer limited context, reflecting only reported cases of rape and not the full scope of sexual violence, according to the medical center.
Sexual violence widely underreported
“National research consistently shows that sexual violence is widely underreported and that most reported cases do not result in prosecution or accountability,” the medical center said. “As a result, reported rape figures often understate the level of need, particularly in regions like the High Desert, where access to specialized services has historically been limited.”
At the same time, law enforcement, survivor advocates and health-care partners have long described an additional burden: for years, survivors in the High Desert were routinely transported out of the region — typically more than 50 miles away — to receive specialized services during an already time-sensitive and traumatic moment.
“Access matters,” said Katie Berrios, Providence St. Mary SART program manager. “In the immediate aftermath of sexual violence, survivors are faced with critical decisions that affect their health, recovery and, if they choose, any potential investigation. Having specialized, compassionate care available locally removes a significant barrier during that critical window. Our SART nurses are the heart of this work, providing skilled, trauma-informed care that allows survivors in the High Desert to receive that support close to home.”
SART goes into operation
Providence St. Mary’s SART and its Sexual Assault Response Facility (SARF) reached full operational capacity in August 2025. Berrios leads a dedicated team of specially trained forensic nurse examiners who work in partnership with advocates and community organizations to provide services and resources.
Survivors are treated in a secure, private setting designed to prioritize patient choice, dignity and safety, medical officials said.
The SART program offers specialized medical and forensic exams, immediate connection to crisis counseling and advocacy, collaboration with law enforcement when requested by survivors, and follow-up care and referrals, including access to mental health and community resources.
The hospital’s ability to establish and sustain the SART reflects a broad base of donor and community support, including from San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.), whose staff recently met with SART nurses and toured the SARF.
“I’m proud to support Providence St. Mary Medical Center in establishing the High Desert’s first SART program,” Cook said. “The investments made in this program put survivors first by ensuring they receive high-quality treatment in a safe, local setting. I commend Providence St. Mary — and their entire staff — for putting so much time and energy into bringing this program into existence. I’m confident the treatment they provide will help change lives for the better.”
The collective investment from individual and community-based partners has funded the staffing, training and operation of the program, creating the capacity to adapt and strengthen services based on the needs of survivors.
“Programs like SART exist because a community comes together around a shared responsibility to care for survivors of sexual violence,” said Nicole Orr, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President of the Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation. “The need for this program was clear, and philanthropic investment is allowing us not only to sustain this work, but to learn from it and use data and experience to strengthen and expand access as the program matures. We are deeply grateful to the donors and partners who make SART possible.”
Playing a vital role
With only a limited number of forensic nurses serving San Bernardino County’s 2.2 million residents, Providence St. Mary’s SART program plays a vital role in expanding access to care, reducing barriers for survivors and strengthening coordination across healthcare, advocacy and public safety partners.
“This work is about meeting people where they are,” Berrios said. “The early data shows that when care is accessible, survivors use it. Our focus now is sustaining and strengthening this support for those we serve.”
For resources and more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, visit nsvrc.org/saam-2026.
To report a sexual assault crime, contact any law enforcement agency or call 911.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Providence St. Mary’s SART helps sexual assault survivors
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
