|
The S.A.F.E. Program at GBMC is coordinated by RN's who are specially trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing. They care for victims of sexual assault and collect forensic evidence for Crime Lab analysis when authorized by Law Enforcement. S.A.F.E. nurses provide these services in the GBMC Emergency Department (ED) once the patient has been evaluated and treated for other injuries by the ED physician.
The S.A.F.E. nurse completes a full assessment of the patient, obtains forensic evidence as indicated by examination or details provided by the patient, ensures forensic evidence is handled in accordance with chain of custody requirements, provides antibiotic therapy and emergency contraception.
In addition, resources for crisis counseling and support services are provided.
When the case is brought to court, the S.A.F.E. nurse may be subpoenaed to testify regarding her examination of the victim.
As a service to victims of sexual assault in Baltimore County, the S.A.F.E. Program at GBMC has established a comprehensive service in conjunction with the Baltimore County Police Department, the Baltimore County State's Attorney's office, local universities and sexual assault counseling providers to ensure that victims of sexual assault are treated compassionately and respectfully throughout this necessary process. The S.A.F.E. Program at GBMC is committed to provide community outreach and educational programs to teach about dating safely and how to recognize and deal with violence in relationships.
Here are statistics from the GBMC S.A.F.E. Program as of June, 2006:
- 30 percent of GBMC forensic examsfor sexual assault involved alcohol use
- 67 percent of GBMC forensic examswere conducted on victims ages 13 - 24 years of age
- Only 17 percent of GBMC forensicexams were the result of stranger assaults.
- 60 percent of GBMC forensic exams were perpetrated by a suspect known to the victim - most frequently after a social occasion of partying.
- Criminal penalties in the State of Maryland for sexual assaults range from 20 years to life in prison.
GBMC S.A.F.E Program
Linda Kelly, RN, FNE-A
Clinical Program Manager
443-849-3323
Review this short list of referral sources for victims of sexual assault/domestic violence. Please note that if you are a student attending a university or college, contact Student Health Services for available services on campus.
Baltimore County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline
410-828-6390
Turnaround, Inc.
Hotline 800-828-6390
410-377-8111
House of Ruth
410-889-7884
National Sexual Assault Hotline
800-656-HOPE
Maryland Council Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)
800-983-RAPE
MCASA's Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI)
877-496-SALI (Toll-free)
301-565-2277
First Call for Help
410-685-0525
National Center for Victims of Crime
Download education fliers geared to your target audience:
 About The Foundation - The Gordie Foundation is dedicated to the memory of Gordie Bailey, who was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Colorado when he died of alcohol poisoning as a result of a Chi Psi fraternity initiation ceremony for pledges on September 17, 2004. The mission of the Gordie Foundation (gordie.org) is to provide today's young people with the skills to navigate the dangers of alcohol, binge drinking, peer pressure and hazing. We were introduced to the Foundation by Mary Wieler, who attended a program by the Gordie Foundation at Gilman with her high school son.
After going to their website and learning more about the organization, Linda Kelly and I had a conference call with their foundation staff to share information about Linda's outreach and request assistance in allowing us to use some of their materials in her educational program. Linda really felt that these two programs (gordie and safe dating) complement each other and the Gordie Foundation resources (a short video, information cards etc) extremely professional and compelling.
The Gordie Foundation is a non-profit and does charge for use of the firm and their materials but after learning about Linda's amazing program they waived the fee. They would like to keep open the communication and learn more about the impact of their materials in Linda's presentation.
We are extremely excited about the opportunities and the ability to use these materials to strengthen our message of safe dating and making the right choices.
|
