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Thomasville If the person you love or live with does any of the following things to you, its time to get help: keeps track of what you are doing all the time; constantly accuses you of being unfaithful, controls all the money you spend, destroys property you care about, overly criticizes you for little things, or tells you his violent outbursts are your fault. A countywide partnership that was established in January, targeting domestic violence, development of a SANE (Sexual Abuse Nurse Examiner) program, and counseling from Family Services of Davidson County is making a positive difference in the lives of women in Davidson County. 44 percent of the female population is at risk for some form of domestic violence, states Penny Cranford, Program Coordinator for Thomasville Medical Centers Partnership for Domestic Violence. 37 percent are verbally or emotionally abused. This grant allows us the opportunity to enhance services available to those women who make up these appalling statistics. Our goal is to empower women who suffer from domestic violence to rise above hopelessness.

The Partnership for Domestic Violence is comprised of staff from Thomasville Medical Center and Family Services of Davidson County. Kim Smith, a SANE certified nurse, implements the SANE program at TMC. The SANE program is designed to help women who are sexually assaulted by offering 24 hour a day assistance that will follow the victim from the Emergency Room and throughout the entire process from examination to the courtroom. The SANE nurse works closely with Family Services who provides counseling support in the emergency room and post discharge. There are also nurses on staff at TMC, specially trained to recognize signs of domestic violence, who assist in identifying patients who are victims of domestic violence, abuse or neglect. Gina Bourne, RN and Karen Reel, RN, who serve as the womens resource team, also provide information, education and resources related to womens issues. Family Services also offers counseling to those patients in the hospital who are victims of domestic violence and request assistance.

This is the first time that all disciplines have come together to offer a seamless process for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or abuse and neglect in our county, says Cathy Brown, Director of Education and Clinical Development and Rehab Medicine for TMC. We know that we will not stop domestic violence, but we are committed to making a positive impact on this countywide issue.

Stacy Sosebee-West, Crisis Intervention Director with Family Service of Davidson County, comments we are completely thrilled to have this collaborative effort with Thomasville Medical Center. Two of the largest hurdles domestic violence victims face are identification and the lack of appropriate and comprehensive services. We have always appreciated the compassion and commitment TMC has shown to their patients and now we are thrilled that they are striving to serve family violence victims even more effectively. It is exciting to see the impact this grant has on the community at large. By providing training for staff, family violence assessments, SANE certified staff and referrals for advocacy and counseling, it is easy to assume the positive effects this project will have on prosecution rates and more importantly the safety of victims in Davidson County.

Thomasville Medical Center is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of our community, one person at a time, says Cranford. We are excited to have the endorsement of the Duke Endowment to allow us an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of women throughout Davidson County.

For more information about the Partnership for Domestic Violence, please call Penny Cranford at 336-476-2489 or Cathy Brown at 336-476-2441.