Repairing Who's Broken
Q&A Session with Dr. Delaine Smith-Clark
Special Prince George’s Suite Magazine Interview with Dr. Delaine Smith-Clark
1.What are your reactions to the anniversary event? Did it meet your goals? How?
Dr. Delaine Smith-Clark
MA, D.Min, CA, VAS III
Coordinator, Victim Services, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center
University of Maryland Capital Region Health
I was ecstatic to see so many people come out to celebrate the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center’s (DV/SAC) 50th anniversary, which was held on September 28, 2023, at Newton White Mansion. This unforgettable evening showcased the remarkable work of the past five decades and emphasized the importance of our work. As a member of the 50th-anniversary committee, my goal was to provide an opportunity for survivors, leaders, volunteers, team members, the community, and other guests to come together to celebrate the work of DV/SAC and to recognize all those who have supported helping survivors live in a safe and healing community. This event did just that. It also created a great, empowering environment where people connected and conversed spontaneously. For all of the survivors present, I truly sensed they felt their worth.
Read More: Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary
2.What was the original NEED in the county that created the effort to open the center? How many women were you able to serve then?
The Sexual Assault Center was founded in 1973 to provide help, hope, and healing to those affected by sexual violence while also cultivating a safe, nonviolent community.
Many victims needed assistance as a result of sexual violence. Many of these victims were afraid to speak up about the trauma they may have endured. In 2010, the center felt the need to add the component of domestic violence. As the county's first comprehensive rape crisis center, the Sexual Assault Center changed its name to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center and has been a critical anchor in Prince George’s County.
DV/SAC’s dedication to supporting victims of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking, continues to advance healing and prevention, and fighting for societal change is reflected in the establishment of the center. Over 10,000 women affected by these unanticipated events have been helped by the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center's free and confidential counseling, advocacy, and preventative education programs.
3.What is the success of the center since launching 50 years ago – especially factoring in your relationship with the hospital?
Since the center launched 50 years ago, we have continued to provide for men, women, and children who have been traumatized by rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking with many resources. We help survivors and their families find new homes to escape their abusers. We provide new furniture and rental assistance. We accompany victims to court when testifying against their abusers and assist them with getting protective orders. The center provides financial literacy classes and other classes that will contribute to the survivor's success in becoming a prosperous individual in their community. Lastly, the center has helped contribute to the survivors' families with back-to-school supplies for their children and Christmas gifts for the families who are in need. In addition to the center, the hospital provides ongoing support with a responsive medical team that understands the importance of care and the well-being of the victims' health.
4.What can be expected over the next 10 years? What’s the vision?
I expect the work of DV/SAC will continue to assist and empower victims and survivors in the future. To focus on prevention and education to end all forms of violence in the community. It is my vision to see the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center carry on its work with dynamic partnerships and collaborations. We cannot win this battle alone.
More On the 50th Anniversary Event: Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary
