Donations Support Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Survivors At Woodbridge Hospital

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Domestic violence and sexual assault survivors served at Woodbridge's hospital will be supported by clothing and other items handmade or donated by women's clubs.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center said it received clothing and handmade item donations from eight women's clubs in Northern Virginia. The donations, valued at $3,725, include underwear, socks, sweatshirts, pants, hats, scarves, blankets and more items.

The donations will go to patients served by the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. The program provides trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other abuse. It often works with local law enforcement and advocacy groups to support survivors with their recovery and fight for justice.

According to the hospital, domestic violence and sexual assault survivors often arrive at the hospital with only the clothes they are wearing.

"These women often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back," said Rev. Dr. Ruth Anne Sawyer, hospital chaplain at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and chaplain for the Prince William County Police Department. "The clothing and items you’ve prayerfully crafted are helping survivors take the first steps toward safety and healing—for themselves and their children."

The donations come from a service project by chapters of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Clubs providing the donations include the Bel Air Woman’s Club in Dale City, Dominion Woman’s Club in Haymarket, Herndon Woman’s Club, Junior Woman’s Club of Loudoun in Leesburg, Manassas Woman’s Club, Northern District Past Presidents Club, Springfield Woman’s Club, and Woodbridge Woman’s Club.

"This is part of our signature project on domestic and sexual violence prevention and awareness," said Joyce Jolly, state chairperson for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. "We are proud to serve our community through projects that support women in crisis."