Oct 5

Oct 5 End The Silence, End The Violence

Raoul Dennis

Health & Fitness

Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary

By Kristina Townsend // Photography By Amir Stoudamire

It was a night to celebrate the lives saved – and remember those lost.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center celebrated the DV/SAC 50th Anniversary event September 28, at Newton White Mansion. More event photos here.

“Celebrating the 50 years of service by our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center was not just a social occasion,” said Nathaniel Richardson Jr., President and CEO, University of Maryland Capital Region Health. “It was an opportunity to bring our survivors, partners, volunteers and team members together to pay homage to the great work that has been accomplished over the past 50 years.”

The event was arranged and hosted, in part, by DV/SAC leaders Christine Cooley and Dr. Delaine Smith-Clark. Cooley is the manager at the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center at the University of Maryland Capital Region Health. Dr. Smith-Clark is Coordinator of Victim Services at the center.

“This unforgettable evening showcased the remarkable work of the past five decades and emphasized the importance of our work,” said Dr. Smith-Clark. “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.”

The center itself is located at UM Capital Region Medical Center. Launched in 1973, it’s a community-based program that promotes the physical and emotional well-being of victims in the county. Domestic abuse and sexual violence had always been an ongoing problem. Leaders determined that it was time for victims – mostly women – to have a place to turn to in times of crisis. Hospital emergency rooms and police stations were not equipped to deal with the multidimensional problem.

“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,” Dr. Smith-Clark says.

“We offer our services to all victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or economic status,” said the staff of the medical center. “We also counsel families, friends, and partners to help everyone impacted through the healing process.”

Over coming years, the center’s leaders plan to continue expanding their impact.

“We are gearing up to expand our hospital and community education program so that everyone knows what services are available and what rights they have as a victim and survivor,” Dr. Smith-Clark says. “The goal is that when they are ready for assistance, they know we are here and ready to help in a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental environment where they will be heard. We want to be the soft place they land when they feel life has pushed them down.”

“I expect the work of DV/SAC will continue to assist and empower victims and survivors in the future,” continues Dr. Smith-Clark, “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.”

The semi-formal celebration was held at the upscale Mitchellville based venue and included over 200 esteemed guests.

“Also, it was a moment of pride and joy to see and hear the impact of this program. I'm thankful to all who attended to help us commemorate this significant milestone,” Richardson said.