Community Conversation with UM Medical System's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center

Co-presented with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights

The Prince George's County Office of Human Rights and the Prince George's County Memorial Library System are excited to host Kathryn Ferguson the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center (DVSAC) Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator with The University of Maryland Medical System’s Capital Region Medical Center.

Registration not required. Click on the YouTube video linked below to stream the program live or watch the recording later.

About our guest:

Kathryn Ferguson has been working to advance the rights of individuals impacted by violence in the State of MD for over 20 years.  A former Crime Victim Specialist with the St. of MD Division of Parole and Probation, Ms. Ferguson would go on to develop critical initiatives, programs, and policies relative to gender-based violence through her work with the Prince George’s Co. Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault.  She currently serves as the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center (DVSAC) Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator with The University of MD Medical System’s Capital Region Medical Center.

About the University of Maryland Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center: 

The University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center is Capital Region Health's main location — and often victims’ first point of contact — for assault and abuse services.

The DVSAC is committed to sexual assault prevention through education and advocacy.

The emergency department and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center (DVSAC) provide treatment and support to victims including those of sexual assault, domestic violence, strangulation, elder abuse and neglect, and ex trafficking. Following emergency care, the DVSAC offers support services for victims and others affected by assault and abuse — focusing on physical, mental and emotional healing. The DVSAC team includes licensed clinical social workers, forensic nurse examiners, strangulation experts and advocates specially trained in sexual assault and trauma-informed care.

Trained counselors provide confidential, compassionate crisis counseling through our 24/7 help hotline (240-677-2337). In addition to lending 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 counseling, both in-person and virtually.

The DVSAC uses evidence-based practices to evaluate your risk for further harm in a domestic violence situation, and they provide guidance on obtaining protective and peace orders, law enforcement support, legal services, safe housing and financial services. DVSAC staff can accompany you to medical appointments and court hearings, and they work directly with law enforcement and social services to assist you with the investigative and legal processes. If there is assistance they can’t provide, they will help you find the services you need.

National Helplines

National Sexual Assault Hotline (operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
1-800-656-4673

National Human Trafficking Hotline
888-373-7888

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233

If you are in immediate danger, call 911!