Robin Basque Honored for Victim Assistance Work

Robin Basque, RN, was selected to receive a 1999 Governor’s Victims Assistance Award. Her selection was based on her work helping victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child or elder abuse and her efforts to educate the public about these issues.

Basque works at Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital as the behavioral health specialist. Her role is to coordinate services for patients who need specialized care either because of their mental health or because they are victims of substance abuse, sexual assault, child or elder abuse or domestic violence. In this role she frequently speaks with community groups interested in these topics. This spring, Basque created and taught a three hour class titled "Protecting Our Children", which focused on the identification and reporting of child abuse. It was designed for family childcare providers and childcare center providers. She has written several educational brochures related to sexual assault and psychiatric visits to the hospital emergency department.

Ms. Robin Basque

She is a certified as a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) nurse. Forensic nurses provide services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence by collecting evidence, preparing legal testimony when it is required, but most importantly guiding and supporting victims through the initial steps of coping with an assault or abuse.

The award is a Governor’s Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Victims Rights and Services. It was presented in Baltimore at an Awards luncheon in late April. Basque was the only nurse honored with an award.

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