Austin/Travis County SARRT

07/30/2026

This year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” exposes a rapidly growing form of human trafficking that happens behind a computer screen. Around the world, individuals are lured by fake job offers, trafficked within their country or across borders, and forced to operate illegal online schemes.
Behind these fraudulent operations are people facing coercion, physical violence, and daily exploitation.
As we spend more and more time online it is important to stay safe. If you or someone you know needs help, call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. 💙

07/28/2026

Everyone’s been talking about Jimothy the raccoon this month, celebrating what makes him unique and embracing the beauty in differences.
As we honor Disability Pride Month, we must acknowledge that individuals with disabilities experience sexual assault at rates significantly higher than their non-disabled peers, while facing unique hurdles in accessing justice, trauma-informed care, and forensic services.
Advocacy means making our prevention work, our resources, and our safe spaces fully accessible to everyone.

If it looks like a Jimothy and it walks like a Jimothy, it’s probably a Jimothy.

07/27/2026

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) is one of the nation’s largest legal aid providers, a proud member of SARRT, and a valued member of the LASSA network.
TRLA provides free civil legal services to individuals and families across Southwest Texas, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Their Domestic Violence & Family Law Team helps survivors with protective orders, divorce and custody cases, and other legal matters related to abuse.

06/30/2026

You don’t have to navigate this alone. 💜

If you or a loved one are seeking support after a sexual assault, confidential advocacy is available. You have the right to have someone by your side who is there solely for you.
Confidential Community-Based Advocates:
Organizations like SAFE Alliance and Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA) provide specialized, confidential support.

What they do: Accompany you through forensic exams, medical care, and legal processes.

Your Rights: Their services are fully confidential and available regardless of whether you choose to report to law enforcement.
APD Victim Services counselors are also available to offer emotional support, answer questions, and help you navigate local resources at your own pace, regardless of your decision to report to law enforcement. While APD Victim Services offers help, their role is different and does not carry the same confidentiality protections as community-based advocates.
You are NOT alone.

06/25/2026

🤝 Collaboration in action! 🤝
We are so proud of the deep expertise within our Austin/Travis County SARRT membership. Recently, two of our dedicated members held a training session for the Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CTCAHT).
The training featured:
✨ The Executive Director of Brave Alliance, who shared vital insights on the forensic exam services they provide to survivors in our community.
✨ A powerful presentation on the intersection of Climate Disaster and Sexual Violence, exploring how our communities can better prepare and protect the most vulnerable before and after crises.
Our SARRT is stronger because of the diverse professional backgrounds our members bring to the table. Thank you to everyone who showed up to learn and grow together!

06/22/2026

Why should you consider getting a medical forensic exam if you’ve experienced a sexual assault?

After an unwanted sexual experience, you have the option to get a sexual assault medical forensic exam done to preserve evidence, to prevent pregnancy or infection, or to access medical care. You can see a forensic nurse at a free community clinic or most local emergency departments. The exam is free of cost, though hospitals may bill for additional medical treatments.
If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available.
For Austin-specific support, atxbelieves.org can help or call Brave Alliance to schedule an exam 512.738. 8817. For advocacy support reach out to SAFE at 512.267.SAFE (7233).
RAINN also offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish through their National Sexual Assault Hotline. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673), text HOPE to 64673, or Chat at https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline.

06/19/2026

If you’ve experienced a sexual assault, you have options and support.
Justice and healing look different for everyone. You decide what that looks like for you and how you want to proceed. This includes whether or not to report to law enforcement, seek medical care, evidence collection, or to engage with the legal system.
For more information about reporting and support options, visit https://www.atxbelieves.org/.

06/15/2026

After a sexual assault, a survivor may choose to explore legal options. Legal service providers can help survivors understand their rights and navigate these processes. Legal Aid for Survivors of Sexual Assault (LASSA) is a statewide network that provides free and confidential legal services to sexual assault survivors across Texas, including here in Travis County. LASSA offers legal education, advice, and representation—helping survivors make informed decisions and access the legal support they need.

If you are seeking legal support, you can contact the LASSA Texas Hotline:
CALL (844) 303-SAFE (7233)
Available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–7 PM

06/12/2026

⚠️ Important Update: Forensic Exam Resources in Austin-Travis County
The City of Austin recently released a memorandum outlining available forensic exam services and resources following changes to local service providers.
📖 Read the full memorandum here: https://bit.ly/4xuO1P2
We will continue to share updates as they become available. Please share this post to help us ensure survivors know where to go for support.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are NOT alone.

06/10/2026

Everyone deserves to live free from violence—no matter who they are or who they love.
While sexual violence affects all demographics, LGBTQ+ youth and adults report higher rates of forced sexual contact compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers.
During Pride Month, we celebrate the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, trauma-informed, and affirming spaces for all survivors.
If you have experienced unwanted sexual contact, you are NOT alone. Support is available. https://bit.ly/4vGgq2Q