St. Louis, Missouri | April 23, 2026 – YWCA Metro St. Louis’ Regional Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) has been awarded a 2026 Purple Ribbon Award from Alliance for HOPE International, one of the leading organizations focused on creating innovative, collaborative, trauma-informed, and hope-centered approaches to meeting the needs of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
YWCA Metro St. Louis Regional SART has been recognized in the Outstanding Multi-Agency Partnership category. SART provides a coordinated community response to sexual assault and domestic violence survivors, during what is typically a lengthy and difficult emotional journey. Members of this team include first responders, law enforcement, local medical providers and SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners), and the prosecuting attorneys’ offices. Each individual and organization pledges to start by believing survivors and works to restore their power and choice.
YWCA Metro St. Louis Regional SART currently serves more than 1,000 survivors a year at no charge. YWCA advocates respond to survivors in the emergency room or police station 24/7 and often provide services for many months at no cost.
All SART members are trained to compassionately walk alongside survivors, delivering crisis support in the hours after an assault; individual and group therapy; medical and legal advocacy; housing assistance if necessary; and other supportive services.
“I am incredibly proud of the team at YWCA Metro St. Louis that delivers these crucial services to survivors, helping them navigate an extremely difficult time in their lives,” said Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Knott, President and CEO, YWCA Metro St. Louis. “Programs like ours and others in our region are pivotal in helping address a very real and tragic experience estimated to impact approximately 45,000 Missourians each year – and thousands more who do not report.”
“Our SART activates the efforts and excellence of multiple organizations in the St. Louis region who are dedicated to helping survivors,” said Samantha Wayant, Senior Director of Women’s Services for YWCA Metro St. Louis. “I want to thank our volunteers, our law enforcement, justice, and healthcare partners, and others who give their time, expertise, and heart to support survivors.”
Launched in 2021, the Purple Ribbon Awards are the most comprehensive awards program honoring teams serving sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. Winners include domestic violence advocates, programs, shelters, organizations, survivors, and members of community support systems from around the world.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, call YWCA’s 24/7 Crisis Help Line at 314.531.7273.
ABOUT YWCA:
YWCA Metro St. Louis is a leading provider of services that promote safety, stability, and opportunity across the region, serving more than 10,000 individuals and families each year. YWCA Metro St. Louis is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and survivors by facilitating a future where every person is safe, supported, and heard. Programs include crisis response and housing, early childhood education through Head Start and Early Head Start, and career readiness and supportive services for individuals and families.