Governor Martin O’Malley has appointed Dr. Kathleen O’Brien, Executive Director of Walden Sierra, as a member of the State Board of Victim Services. The appointment is active for the remainder of a term of five years from July 1, 2008. In the letter of appointment, the Governor references Dr. O’Brien’s commitment and service to the state.
“For nearly four decades, Dr. O’Brien has been a tireless advocate for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and rape. She serves as a Steering Committee Member for the Child Welfare League of America, a Member of the Maryland Juvenile Justice Coalition and a Board Member of the Maryland Network against Domestic Violence. Dr. O’Brien brings her experience to local community efforts as Chairperson of the St. Mary’s County Family Violence Coordinating Council, a collaborative effort inclusive of representatives of law enforcement, the courts, service and healthcare providers, and community members.”
Walden’s domestic violence/sexual assault crisis intervention, advocacy, and trauma counseling services feature the 24-Hour Walden Crisis Hotline as the hub. In Walden’s 2009 program year, these services touched the lives of many community members:
- 4,896 calls from the community were answered by the crisis hotline
- 420 victims of domestic violence or sexual assault received trauma counseling
- 297 children, including victims of child abuse/neglect and those with general mental health issues, received counseling
Dr. Kathleen O’Brien thanks Governor O’Malley and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services for this appointment. “Advocacy is a very important component of Walden’s service to the community and state, and it is also a role that I am very passionate about personally. The courage of victims and survivors combined with the need to bring attention to gaps in services really inspires me to continually seek to make a difference in this field.”
