Women’s clubs partner with Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center to bring dignity and comfort to survivors

When a survivor of sexual assault or domestic violence goes to the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, they find nurses who have received special training in trauma-informed care. Now, thanks to eight women’s clubs in the Northern Virginia area, they can find even more support.

Often patients arrive at the ED with only the clothes they were wearing at the time of their trauma, and the clothes often need to be collected for evidence. The women’s clubs organized donations of underwear, socks, shirts and pants, hats, scarves, blankets, and more. Some of the donations are store-bought; others are handmade by members of the clubs.

“These women often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back,” said Rev. Dr. Ruth Anne Sawyer, SNVMC’s chaplain. “The clothing and items [the donors have] prayerfully crafted are helping survivors take the first steps toward safety and healing."

The clubs participating were the Bel Air Woman’s Club, Dominion Woman’s Club, Herndon Woman’s Club, Junior Woman’s Club of Loudoun, Manassas Woman’s Club, Northern District Past Presidents Club, Springfield Woman’s Club and Woodbridge Woman’s Club.

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