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Clayton County SART receives support

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Tristan and Tricia Bacon, siblings and proprietors of "Bloody Run Wildlife Minerals." donated $1,250 to Clayton County Sexual Assault Reponse Team (SART). Front from left are Tricia and Tristan Bacocon; back row, Brandi Lewin, Victim Witness Coordinator and Sergeant Brent Ostrander. (Photo submitted)

By Caroline Rosacker 

Clayton County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is comprised of a victim witness coordinator, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, sexual assault nurse examiners and advocates. These individuals are the primary response to sexual assault. 

"Many of the tools we use daily to respond to sexual violence – like law enforcement, sexual assault nurse examiners and prosecutors —  aren’t built into our budget," said Brandi Lewin, Victim Witness Coordinator and SART assistant. "The additional resources that set a survivor up for the greatest chance for success and the biggest opportunity to feel fully supported by the criminal justice and medical process are often costly to acquire."

Fortunately, Clayton County SART partners have an incredible support system of donors who give during events like the annual golf outing and individual donations coming in throughout the year to ensure survivors have the best opportunity for healing. 

"This year alone, thanks to benevolent donations, the team will be able to contribute to funding an eight-week support group for any survivor of trauma, training for first responders, and provide tokens designed by child survivors to be given to every child survivor in Clayton County to show support, understanding, and strength," commented Lewin.  

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), which is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, every nine minutes child protective services substantiates or finds evidence of child sexual abuse. "Our team members and these projects are vital in not only protecting children and adults, but supporting them through the entire process," noted Lewin. 

Bloody Run Wildlife Minerals

Donors are very important to SART. The organization would like to recognize 11-year-old business owner Tristan Bacon and his 14-year-old sister, Tricia, and their parents, Ryan and Anna, who own and operate "Bloody Run Wildlife Minerals." Some of the successful start-up company's profits are allocated for savings, but an additional portion is set aside for charitable organizations. Lewin told The Press, "For the past three years Tristan and his family have contributed financial support to ensure our team can continue to go above and beyond the work, ensuring only the most victim-centered care is given to survivors."

On April 3, Clayton County SART partnered with their friends at Bloody Run Wildlife Minerals during their annual open house. "While Tristan and Tricia sold their wildlife mineral product, our team brought awareness to our fight against sexual violence," she said. "April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is designated to bring both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence, it is clear: It is impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it is difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution."  

Kari Hoyhiem, SART investigator and police officer, shared, "We are receiving tremendous support from members of Clayton County, especially Tristan Bacon. I have had the pleasure to be part of the agency for about 10 years. We are seeing an increase in disclosures, because society is changing its attitudes. It isn't necessarily increasing, but awareness is giving victims a voice to report."

Sergeant Brent Ostrander, Clayton County SART, commented, “Tristan’s commitment and selfless support to survivors of sexual violence in Clayton County is as admirable as you could ask for.  His actions have helped bring awareness and additional support to SART’s mission. With gratitude, I and all members of Clayton County SART want to thank Tristan and Bloody Run Wildlife Minerals for this support.” 

Lewin added, "We are excited to partner again with our friends at Bloody Run Wildlife Minerals and are extremely proud to see children giving back to their community!"

Clayton County Sexual Assault Response Team is a Multi-County Crime Victim Witness/SART Program, serving Benton, Buchanan (SART Specific), Clayton, Delaware, and Jones Counties.

The organization's mission is to ensure all crime victims and witnesses have a voice, support, knowledge and assistance throughout the criminal justice process from initial disclosure to prosecution, and a multidisciplinary response specifically to victims of sexual violence. Please call 888-557-0310 the teams respond 24/7/365.

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