If someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused: 

First, get them to a safe place, then:

  • Call 911;
  • Go to your local police department;
  • Call the Sexual Violence Hotline; or
  • Go to a local Emergency Department.

It is important to both the mental and physical well-being of the victim to get help quickly.

Ask the victim NOT to eat, drink, shower, or change clothing until they have been examined.

The Sexual Violence Hotline of 180 - Turning Lives Around, 888-264-7273, is available 24 hours a day to provide you with information and assistance.

What is the Forensic Nurse Program?

The Forensic Nurse Program is made up of a group of on-call nurses with specialized training who work as independent contractors for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. A full-time Coordinator employed by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office runs the program. Nurses are on call and available 24 hours a day and can be reached through the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department Communications Center.

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is comprised of a Forensic Nurse Examiner, Law Enforcement Officer, and a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate.

Who is eligible for a SART Response?

  • The victim reporting the sexual assault, if 13 or older;
  • The incident must have occurred within the last seven days; and
  • The victim must be willing to go to and be evaluated in an Emergency Department.

What to do if you don’t want a medical exam?

You can still get help even if you do not want a medical exam or if you are seeking assistance outside of the seven-day window. Services through 180 - Turning Lives Around are available to you 24/7. Local police can also take a report and conduct an investigation.

Special Consideration for Victims Under the Age of 18:

In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877-NJ ABUSE. A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse, and can make the report anonymously. In cases of sexual assault, a child 13 or older has the choice to report to law enforcement, unless statutory laws apply.

In cases where the child is 12 or under, the Program Coordinator and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau will discuss all activations and advise callers on next steps.