GBMC's Sexual Assault Forensic Examination and Domestic Violence Program
March 5, 2024
GBMC’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) & Domestic Violence (DV) Program provides medical-forensic sexual assault treatment for adolescents and adults, the only place in County that provides this service. And GBMC is the only hospital in Baltimore County and Harford County that provides medical-forensic sexual abuse treatment for children ages twelve and under. The program focuses on empowering our survivors to begin the healing process by providing choices of services in a confidential, non-judgmental atmosphere, with specially trained staff – at no cost to the patient.
The SAFE & DV Program is comprised of Registered Forensic Nurse Examiners (who are specifically trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing), child protection program interventionists and sexual assault/domestic violence advocates specially trained to care for victims of rape, sexual assault, child abuse, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking.
In conjunction with the Baltimore County Police Department, Child Protective Services, the Baltimore County State Attorney’s office, local universities, Maryland Center for School Safety, and sexual assault counseling providers, the team has established comprehensive partnerships that ensure victims are treated compassionately and respectfully. In addition to treating victims, we provide community outreach and educational programs about: sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, internet safety, safe dating, and recognizing and dealing with violence in a relationship – with the goal of preventing abuse before it happens. And when it does happen, SAFE & DV staff provide expert nursing care, crisis counseling, and expert testimony, as needed, for dozens of cases each year.
In fact, GBMC’s SAFE & DV program is leading the charge in this realm, becoming known nationally as a model of care for others to follow. Below is a very brief overview of some of the key program accomplishments from 2023 and a preview of what is in progress for 2024. This listing does not come close to describing all the nuances of the dedication of this team but serves as an overview of the important services they provide for the community (and country).
Key accomplishments in 2023 include:
- Development of relationships with newly elected and government officials, such as First Lady of Maryland, Dawn Moore and Laura Clary’s participation in the new Resource Coordination group to support survivors of sexual/domestic violence through County Executive Johnny Olszewski.
- Presented at National Criminal Justice Training Center on Trauma Informed Care and Interview Practices
- Integrated Child Protection Program under SAFE & DV with the support of CPP Coordinator Danielle Nickles, LCPC.
- Significant community outreach through education, adolescent support groups, the SAFE squad monthly group activities, and media appearances.
- Multiple recognitions for our SAFE nurses, spanning from GBMC-sponsored awards like Art of Nursing, Spirit of King, Women of Impact, and Compassionate Caregiver to The Daily Record, Baltimore magazine, and Baltimore Banner.
New and continued goals for 2024 include:
- Expand human trafficking awareness work to better identify risk factors and warning signs of human trafficking and provide resources for victims
- Provide weekly in-service trainings on trauma-informed care to Baltimore County Police Department
- Continue to present at national conferences
- Integrate a nurse practitioner under SAFE & DV Program
- Host annual regional symposium
Click here to learn more about the SAFE & DV Program. To support the work of our SAFE & DV team, consider donating to or participating this year’s Walk a Mile in their Shoes event by clicking here.
