BRENDA LEMAY
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCATE/INVESTIGATOR 301-334-1911 / 301-334-9000
 

Dove Center 301-334-9000
Lt. Larry Gnegy 301-334-1911  
 

THE PROGRAM

 The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Awareness Program was established in July of 1997 through the Violence Against Women Act #16.588.  The Program provides for the addition of a domestic violence counselor/investigator to the staff of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office. The combined efforts of the Garrett County Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Resource Center (The Dove Center), along with the Garrett County Sheriff’s office, assured that the program would benefit a far greater amount of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. The counselors position is assigned to both, the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office and the Dove Center. Victim assistance is provided at both locations.

HOW IT WORKS

A domestic violence victim is more likely to follow through with enforcement action if there is immediate contact by a counselor following the incident. Previously, responding officers would make an arrest when warranted, provide the victim with brochures on how to obtain assistance, and to answer any questions.  It was the responsibility of the victim to seek assistance.Quite often, the victim failed to do so and the violence continued.  The Domestic Violence Awareness Program provides a counselor/ investigator to respond to the actual scene of a domestic violence altercation, once the threat of violence has been removed. The counselor assists the victim in providing options available (i.e. criminal charges, shelter services and exparte orders).

Due to the inclement weather and large geographical region in Garrett County, VAWA funded a four wheel drive vehicle. This vehicle is assigned to the counselor/investigator. This multipurpose vehicle is used to transport victims, including their children:

                    *Away from the scene of the domestic assault
                    *To hospitals/doctor visits
                    *To court hearings
                    *To schools
                    *To other locations of necessity

Pro prosecution is also a priority to this program. When the counselor talks with the victim, often pictures, signed statements and lists of witnesses may be obtained. This is to later be used in the courtroom.

OTHER DUTIES

The counselor/investigator also serves as an advocate to the victim lending support at court hearings and other sites of assistance.

The counselor is on call seven days per week, 24 hours per day. In the rare instances when the counselor is away, another counselor fills the position.  The counselor also assists Sheriff’s Office investigators in the investigation of sexual assault crimes and conducts interviews of sexual assault victims. The counselor serves as a liaison at the local hospital with medical examinations of sex crimes and comforting the victim.

The counselor also gives talks to schools, colleges, churches and civic groups. The focus is on  awareness, outreach, laws and empowerment to the community on domestic violence and sexual assaults.
 

Updated 12/30/1999