Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

The UPMC Western Maryland forensic nurses assist you during an unsafe or crisis situation. If you or someone you know is in need of services, please go to the Emergency Department at the UPMC Western Maryland. Your privacy is very important, so we have a private area within the Emergency Department where a medical provider will see you.

A specially trained forensic nurse examiner is always available at UPMC Western Maryland Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. A forensic nurse examiner is a registered nurse who specializes in the care and treatment of individuals harmed by domestic or sexual violence. They are trained to collect medical evidence for law enforcement and serve as an expert witness in court.

• A medical screening in the Emergency Department
• A private consultation room for interviews
• A private exam room for examinations
• Medical forensic evidence collected by trained Forensic Nurse Examiners
• Support for both you and your family, which is provided by a community-based Sexual
• Assault Response Team
• Follow up healthcare referrals and consultations
• Expert opinion and testimony

• Crisis intervention
• Assessment of your risk of danger to plan for your safety
• Safety planning
• Advocacy
• Referral to community resources
• Thorough examination and documentation of physical evidence completed by forensic nurse examiner
• Expert opinion & testimony

Here are some questions that can help determine if you are in an abusive relationship:

• Do arguments with your partner often end with someone being physically hurt?
• Have you been injured during these fights?
• Does your partner destroy things you care about, like pets, family photos, and clothes?
• Does your partner ever threaten to hurt you when you disagree?
• Do you have to ask permission for almost everything you do?
• Does your partner often put you down? Are you starting to believe what your partner says about you?
• Have you been made to have sex when or in ways that you didn’t want?
• Are you prevented from seeing your friends or family, getting a job, or continuing your education?
• Do you feel isolated or alone?

If you are battered or in immediate danger, please go somewhere safe or call 911.

If injured, please go to the nearest emergency department or your family doctor and tell them what happened to you.

UPMC Western Maryland Forensic Nursing Services can be reached at 240-964-1333.

Family Crisis resource Center (MD) 301-759-9244
Family Crisis Center (WV) 800-698-1240
Dove Center (Garrett County) 301-334-9000

UPMC Western Maryland Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides services to help healthcare providers prepare to respond to domestic or sexual violence cases. Available services include:

• Consultation with medical practices, including policy review
• In-Service trainings for staff
• Awareness about other community-based resources, including healthcare and prevention services