Registration not required. Click o n the YouTube video linked below to stream the program live or watch the r ecording later.
\nAbout our guest:
\n
Kathryn Ferg uson has been working to advance the rights of individuals impacted by vio lence in the State of MD for over 20 years. \; A former Crime Victim S pecialist with the St. of MD Division of Parole and Probation\, Ms. Fergus on would go on to develop critical initiatives\, programs\, and policies r elative to gender-based violence through her work with the Prince George&r squo\;s Co. Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and the Maryland Coalit ion Against Sexual Assault. \; She currently serves as the Domestic Vi olence and Sexual Assault Center (DVSAC) Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator with The University of MD Medical System&rsquo\;s Capital Reg ion Medical Center.
\nAbout the University of Maryland Domes tic Violence and Sexual Assault Center: \;
\nThe Univer sity of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center is Capital Region Health's main location &mdash\; and often victims&rsquo\; first point of contact &m dash\; for assault and abuse services.
\nThe DVSAC is committed to s exual assault prevention through education and advocacy.
\nThe emerg ency department and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center (DVSAC) pr ovide treatment and support to victims including those of sexual assault\, domestic violence\, strangulation\, elder abuse and neglect\, and ex traf ficking. Following emergency care\, the DVSAC offers support services for victims and others affected by assault and abuse &mdash\; focusing on phys ical\, mental and emotional healing. The DVSAC team includes licensed clin ical social workers\, forensic nurse examiners\, strangulation experts and advocates specially trained in sexual assault and trauma-informed care.\n
Trained counselors provide confidential\, compassionate crisis coun seling through our 24/7 help hotline (240-677-2337). In addition to lendin g an ear\, they give information on medical\, legal and community support and help victims determine their next steps. We encourage callers to come to the DVSAC for further care and support. During regular office hours (11 am to 7 pm)\, they provide individual\, family and group trauma counselin g\, both in-person and virtually.
\nThe DVSAC uses evidence-based pr actices to evaluate your risk for further harm in a domestic violence situ ation\, and they \;provide guidance on obtaining protective and peace orders\, law enforcement support\, legal services\, safe housing and finan cial services. DVSAC \;staff can accompany you to medical appointments and court hearings\, and they work directly with law enforcement and soci al services to assist you with the investigative and legal processes. If t here is assistance they can&rsquo\;t provide\, they will help you find the services you need.
\nNational Helplines
\nNa
tional Sexual Assault Hotline (operated by the Rape\, Abuse &\; Incest
National Network)
1-800-656-4673
National Human Trafficking H
otline
888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline
8
00-799-7233
If you are in immediate danger\, call 911!
\n