written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025
Beth Young has dedicated her career to forensic nursing, serving at Riverside Hospital for 17 years and joining the forensics team two years in. From the very beginning, she has been a crucial link between Riverside and Fear 2 Freedom (F2F), an organization committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence. Due to Riverside’s proximity to Christopher Newport University (CNU), Beth was instrumental in establishing the hospital’s partnership with F2F, particularly in assembling aftercare kits for survivors.
During frequent visits to Riverside Hospital, Rosemary Trible, founder of Fear 2 Freedom and former First Lady of CNU, saw that the hospital lacked essential aftercare tools for survivors. That realization led to a partnership that Beth has been deeply involved in since its inception.
This June marks Beth’s second anniversary as a Fear 2 Freedom board member. Initially serving on the finance and programs committee, she has since been promoted to vice president. In this role, Beth works closely with forensic nurses to educate students about the program and the importance of F2F kits. Each year, she and her team set up an informational table, offering students the chance to engage with the initiative firsthand.
“As a forensic nursing program, we’re trauma-informed, and we’re victim-patient centered,” Beth emphasizes.
Outside of her work at Riverside, Beth has used her board membership to expand F2F’s reach. One of her primary initiatives has been to connect F2F with the National Association of Forensic Nurses. Her goal is to integrate F2F into national conferences and increase its online presence, making the organization’s resources more accessible to those in need.
Over the past year, Beth has focused on building relationships and growing Fear 2 Freedom’s network. She regularly leads training programs at universities, health fairs, and police academies and advocates training sessions for community and military members. Her expertise and dedication have earned her a keynote speaking opportunity at the 2025 Northern Virginia Champions’ Luncheon, which was held on April 8.
“A lot of the work we do is made possible by Fear 2 Freedom,” Beth shares. “The cooperation and trust we build with our patients come through the abilities that Fear 2 Freedom has provided.”
For Beth, the heart of F2F’s impact lies in its mission. She is especially moved by Rosemary’s personal story and her commitment to addressing the needs of survivors. As a forensic nurse, Beth sees firsthand the volume of patients seeking help, many of whom require more support than hospitals can provide alone.
Fear 2 Freedom’s kits bridge that gap, offering comfort and care when it is needed most.
Looking ahead, Beth envisions F2F forming partnerships with larger national nonprofits that share similar missions. By connecting organizations, enhancing marketing efforts, and sharing survivor experiences, she believes Fear 2 Freedom’s impact can reach even greater heights.
Beth’s role on the board has also introduced her to individuals outside the healthcare field who are equally passionate about supporting survivors. While she is surrounded by dedicated professionals daily, she finds it inspiring to see people from all walks of life stepping up to make a difference.
Her journey with Fear 2 Freedom is one of advocacy, education, and unwavering commitment to survivors. As she continues her work, Beth remains a driving force in ensuring that those who have experienced trauma receive the care and resources they deserve.
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