The Center for Assault Treatment Services (C⋅A⋅T⋅S) of Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a member of the 24-hour/7-day per-week Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) program in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys that provides support for sexually and domestically abused women and children.
C⋅A⋅T⋅S’ mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to victims of domestic and sexual assault and child victims of sexual abuse in a supportive and comforting environment. C⋅A⋅T⋅S treats approximately 1,000 children and adults for sexual abuse and assault as well as domestic violence each year.
When a victim of sexual abuse is examined and has forensic evidence collected from their bodies, their clothing is often collected and turned over to law enforcement for potential DNA evidence. Having clothing taken after a traumatic event such as sexual assault can make a victim feel more vulnerable.
Many people may not think about how replacing a bra or providing new clothing can make such an impact on victims. Our patient population is primarily low-income, and during the investigative process, they often inquire, “will I get my clothing back.” They may ask this not because they want them back but because they can’t afford to replace them. Our goal at CATS is to never discharge a victim without the choice of being able to wear a bra or clean new clothing that fits appropriately.
