Return of SART team welcomed

To the editor:

Thank you for your article about the return of a Sexual Assault Response Team to the Valley. I wanted to acknowledge the group of women who kept the idea of a SART alive before Bert Cottle became involved. This group of women represented different advocacy agencies, tribal groups, and public health. We were met with a dismissive attitude and discouragement by some of the men “in power” that we attempted to persuade to establish the SART. It is interesting to me that when a man stood up and took on this issue, other men were suddenly willing to listen. I decided that while that is a sad commentary on how sexism still exists in our society, in this case I am glad that it worked for the benefit of the (mostly) women who need the services of a SART. The movement of men holding other men accountable for their violence against women and children needs to continue to grow. Remember: Men can stop rape.

Judy Gette

Wasilla