Prince George's Hospital Center

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April 15, 2004
by Laura C. Jackson, The Gazette

A safe place where the healing can begin

APRIL 15, 2004, WASHINGTON D.C. -- A bookshelf full of teddy bears helps the healing begin in the Sexual Assault Center at Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly. Volunteers such as Jerry Kyle use the bears to comfort those who feel frightened and violated.

"One woman who came to the center was just shaking from a violent attack," said Kyle, who lives in Hyattsville. "She was able to pick out a bear, and after a couple hours in the center she smiled and thanked me. Victims will often bring the bear back with them if they come back for counseling."

Kyle began volunteering with the assault center in October 2002 after reading an article about a shortage of volunteers, particularly men. Surprisingly, he and another man were the only two graduates of the six-week volunteer training course for that particular session of classes.

"People think that a woman who has been violated wouldn't want to see a man, but it doesn't matter," Kyle said. "People in that situation just want someone who is caring and willing to help."

As a volunteer, Kyle works a six-hour day shift on Wednesdays, although he fills in as needed.

Those arriving at the assault center may be tired after answering questions from police, or they may be upset and in need of crisis intervention. During his shift, Kyle may entertain children while an assault victim undergoes an examination by a nurse at the hospital. Other times he helps distract and calm family members while the nurse speaks to a child who has been abused. He may also make sure victims and their families have transportation back home.

"We do whatever is needed to make the process easier," he said. "If it weren't for the volunteers, the professionals would be overwhelmed. They couldn't handle it all."

Kyle, who is retired due to health-related issues, said serving as a volunteer takes his mind off his own difficulties. "I get along with people, and they respond to me," said Kyle, who moved to Prince George's County from San Antonio, Texas. "The best volunteer for this type of service is a person who can listen to people and provide what they need. Sometimes, while a child is with the nurse, a mom will open up and share how she was molested. Other times you distract family members with a discussion about politics. Whatever I can do is all worthwhile."

A sexual assault is anything done sexually against a person's will, said Cheryl Banks, volunteer program coordinator and community educator.

"Most rapes are never even reported, and some people don't even identify it as rape when it happens to them," said Banks.

"They'll say it was unwanted sex, but technically that's rape."

Banks said 750 to 800 cases are reported in the county each year, with victims ranging from age 3 to 70. Typically, fewer than 10 percent of victims are men.

High-profile incidents such as the rape allegations against professional basketball player Kobe Bryant or child abuse charges against pop star Michael Jackson open the door for community education, Banks said.

"The Kobe Bryant case is similar to a lot of cases in which two people know each other, but not well, and it's her word against his," she said. "It's difficult to prosecute those cases because the jury must determine who is telling the truth."

Even the furor over Janet Jackson's musical performance at the Super Bowl can raise awareness about assault.

"People were outraged at Janet Jackson but not at Justin Timberlake, who tore her clothing," said Banks. "Ripping someone's shirt is assault in Maryland."

Because young people are typically the most vulnerable, Banks urges both men and women to use caution.

"Trust your instincts," she said. "Reduce your risk by not getting drunk or high, getting in cars with people you don't know or trusting people you don't know well.

"If you're assaulted, remember it's not your fault," Banks added. "Someone chose to put that upon someone else. People who choose to take advantage of others' vulnerabilities are causing great harm and need to stop."

The Sexual Assault Center How it makes a difference: Operating as a separate nonprofit for the past 30 years, the center provides companion services for those who need examination after an assault as well as advocacy services for those who are pursuing legal action. At 8 p.m. April 20, the center will conduct a Take Back the Night rally at Prince GeorgeÕs Hospital Center in Cheverly. For information, call 301-618-3154, ext. 0