Officer Kelly Andrichik Appointed by Wisconsin Attorney General to Serve on the Statewide Sexual Assault Response Team
UW-Parkside Police Officer Kelly Andrichik was recently appointed by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel to serve on the statewide sexual assault response team (SART). Officer Andrichik is one of only two UW System representatives to serve on the team. She was selected as Chair of the Kenosha County SART in January of this year.
Andrichik said, “I am truly honored to be a part of this dynamic team at the state level as we collectively move forward with legislation and procedures to provide sexual assault survivors with the support they so deserve. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with such a group of dedicated people at the state level as well as within our own county. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given.”
A sexual assault response team (SART) is made up of professionals who work to coordinate a best practice, multidisciplinary, victim-centered response to sexual assaults in a community. This response prioritizes the needs of sexual assault victims and holds offenders accountable. A SART works to minimize the trauma for sexual assault victims when they seek medical, legal and advocacy assistance. Through coordination during the investigation process, a SART helps reduce repeated questioning of the victim and increases effective collection and preservation of evidence. A team approach helps meet the victim's short-term and long-term needs and can increase the likelihood that a victim will seek follow-up services, and thereby promote healing.
Members of the Kenosha SART include law enforcement representatives from all five departments in the county, victim/witness program representatives from the district attorney’s office, prosecution, SANE, community advocacy, Department of Corrections, Child Advocacy Center, Probation and Parole, Community Impact Programs, Inc., Carthage College, and Gateway Technical College.
UW-Parkside Chief of Police Jim Heller told Andrichik, “Being selected for these leadership positions both on a county level and state level speaks to your expertise and the respect that others have for your knowledge and experience. UW-Parkside is fortunate to have you on the law-enforcement team.”
