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A AMC MAGA Z I N E | E A R LY F A L L
Have you seen the latest stories on our blog? Check it out at
askAAMC.org/Living
.
Personality Plus
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP
Rae
of Light
For the last 10 years, Rae Leonard has been a
part of AAMC’s program against abuse and
domestic violence.
“We provide around-the-clock response to
domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse,
and vulnerable adult abuse,” Rae says.
AAMC is one of only nine hospitals
in Maryland with an in-house domestic
violence program. e program provides
free and con dential consults for employees,
community members and patients.
Rae found her calling while working at the
YWCA as a civil advocate. She now oversees
a team of 13 trained professionals who
provide 24/7 consultation to caregivers who
suspect a patient or family member is being
abused, as well as for victims and people
wanting information for family and friends.
Rae and her team also spend time training
medical sta members on signs to look for in
a patient who may be su ering from abuse or
domestic violence, the leading cause of injury
to women ages 15 to 44.
“A lot of people don’t realize they’re in
an abusive situation,” says Rae. “So I listen
and plant the seeds to let them know that
what they’re experiencing is abuse so they’ll
hopefully make life changes.”
e societal response to this problem
is frustrating, she says. To improve access
to treatment, Rae has helped other area
hospitals start similar programs.
“What’s most rewarding to me is helping
people who may otherwise fall through the
cracks,” she says.
To learn more, visit
askAAMC.org/
DomesticViolence
or call
443-481-1209
.
“What’s most
rewarding to me
is helping people
who may otherwise
fall through
the cracks.”
— Rae Leonard
