Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Program (SARRT)

For more than 40 years, the Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team (SARRT) has been a committed program within AHS, catering to one of Alameda County’s most vulnerable populations. Operating out of Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus (WCHHC), SARRT is a unique hospital and clinic-based program that addresses both domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA). Being the sole program of its kind in California, SARRT operates on full grant funding through federal and state funds facilitated by the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). Since its inception in 1984, SARRT has been extending comprehensive support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking, aged 14 and above, including their families.

A Collaborative Approach

SARRT operates within interdisciplinary teams, prioritizing safety, and trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Our confidential crisis line, linked with the national hotline service RAINN, ensures round-the-clock support for anyone in need of crisis intervention.

Contact us to learn more about our services or to speak with a member of our dedicated team.

Important Update on Sexual Assault Support Services in Alameda County

BAWAR, Alameda County’s first rape crisis center, closed in September 2025. Alameda Health System’s Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team (SARRT) has now expanded its services to ensure survivors continue receiving uninterrupted crisis support.

AHS-SARRT is now the sole responding agency for sexual assault forensic exams and advocacy at Highland Hospital. Our team provides 24/7 trauma-informed support to anyone experiencing sexual violence.

Tri-Valley Haven will continue to serve Washington Hospital and will operate the 24-hour NOW county-wide crisis hotline: Tri-Valley Haven Hotline: 1-800-884-8119

We are honored to partner with Tri-Valley Haven through the CalOES-RC Grant to provide coordinated, compassionate care for survivors across Alameda County.

We acknowledge and honor the decades of service BAWAR provided. Their legacy continues to inform our commitment to safety, healing, and justice for all survivors.

PRINT OUR BROCHURE!

Based out of Wilma Chan Highland Hospital, SARRT provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including:

  • 24-hour crisis line support
  • Advocacy and accompaniment for medical services, sexual assault forensic exams, law enforcement interviews and court hearings
  • Survivor driven advocacy and follow-up services.
  • Safety Planning
  • Victim of crime application assistance
  • Group and individual counseling
  • Community education and outreach
  • 65-hour volunteer training
  • Referrals for community-based resources and emergency shelter

All services are confidential, free of charge and offered within a trauma-informed, culturally competent framework. Services are offered in English and Spanish with translation for other languages is available.

How to refer to or access SARRT services:

General Public

AHS staff

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors used to maintain power and control in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it is important to get connected with an advocate who can provide support and referrals. Abusive partners are often very good at isolating their partner from family and friends. As a result, victims may feel ashamed and alone and believe that no one would understand. If you are being abused, know that you are not alone and that the abuse is not your fault, no matter what the abuser tells you.

SARRT can provide you with information on obtaining a restraining order, referrals for emergency shelter, accompany you to a court hearing, provide counseling and more.

Need more information? Call our 24-hour hotline 510.534.9290 or email us at sarrtinfo@alamedahealthystem.org today (email response within 24 hours).

Learn more about the dynamics of domestic violence.

You Have Rights – Sexual Assault

Sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all genders and ages. Recovering from sexual assault or abuse is a process, and that process looks different for everyone. It may take weeks, months, or years: there’s no timetable for healing. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, it is not your fault, you are not alone.

SARRT can help you sort through your options, accompany you to medical and/or legal appointments, provide counseling and refer you to resources and support.

Need more information? Call our 24-hour hotline 510.534.9290 or email us at sarrtinfo@alamedahealthystem.org today (email response within 24 hours).

Learn more about sexual violence.

24-hour hotline: 510.534.9290
Email: sarrtinfo@alamedahealthystem.org (response within 24 hours)


Victims of Crime Compensation

If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, contact us.

Alameda County Family Justice Center

The Family Justice Center (FJC) is a one-stop community support center with 30 onsite agencies and programs for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, child abduction, elder and dependent adult abuse, and human trafficking.

CA Sexual Assault Kit Location and Status Website
This website enables survivors of CA sexual assault crimes to find out information about the status and location of their sexual assault kits.

CA Sexual Assault Kits Frequently Asked Questions

Learn information about CA legislation pertaining to sexual assault kits, kit processing times, the statewide tracking data base.

VINE

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) is a free, secure, and confidential way to access custody status and criminal case information.

SARRT offers regular support groups throughout the year. Contact us for our list of current groups.

Short-term counseling support for survivors of recent incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking is available. For individuals who do have access to counseling services elsewhere SARRT can help with up to 10 free sessions. An intake is required. For more information contact our Sexual Assault Coordinator Dawn Dougherty at ddougherty@alamedahealthsystem.org or sarrtinfo@alamedahealthsystem.org.

Education and training on the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, supporting survivors, handling disclosures, the SARRT program and our services, etc. are available. Sessions are tailored to your needs and available for general populations as well as professionals. For more information contact our Sexual Assault Coordinator Dawn Dougherty at ddougherty@alamedahealthsystem.org or sarrtinfo@alamedahealthsystem.org.

For information on volunteering with Alameda Health System, visit  https://www.alamedahealthsystem.org/ahs-volunteers/