The Regional Hospital Accompaniment Response Team (RHART) was honored by the Valentine Richmond History Center with the Encouraging Regional Collaboration Award. RHART received this honor October 18, 2011.
Hanover Safe Place, Safe Harbor and YWCA of Richmond pooled resources to serve victims of sexual and/or intimate partner violence and create the RHART program. Specially trained volunteers provide coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. RHART volunteers have served over 500 patients since the program began in November 2009.
Introducing supportive services to survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence early provides hope and healing—RHART volunteers provide support, information and comfort. RHART volunteers work collaboratively with the trained medical personnel who are collecting evidence and treating physical injuries.