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In This Issue:
Are you safe at home? Are you afraid of someone you love?
These two questions that health care providers ask all patients on their first visit and annually after that can make a crucial difference in preventing domestic violence.
“Health care providers have a unique opportunity to provide an intervention,” said Mardi Chadwick, JD, director of Passageway. “They are poised to provide intervention, screening and prevention—just by asking a question every time.”
The need for screening and intervention is critical as domestic violence homicides and incidents are on the rise in Massachusetts and throughout the country. Since Jan. 9, there have been 10 incidents, resulting in 13 deaths, in the state. Some experts say difficult economic conditions are exacerbating domestic violence.
“Although the economy doesn’t cause domestic violence, it does create more of a sense of desperation on the part of both the victims and the perpetrators, who both may feel a lack of choice,” Chadwick said.
At Passageway, advocates are seeing more severity in patients’ cases.
“By the time some of these cases reach the criminal justice system, it may be too late because the incident already has occurred,” Chadwick said. “But health care providers may be in a position to help before an incident occurs when a patient comes in for a regular visit.”
Providers are supported by the five advocates of the Passageway program. “If a patient’s answer to those questions about safety indicates that he or she may be a victim of domestic violence, Passageway is there to help support the provider and intervene on behalf of the patient’s safety,” Chadwick said.
Passageway advocates are available to meet with care providers throughout the hospital and provide resources and training. Since October, advocates have conducted 29 training sessions attended by more than 360 participants.
“The feedback we get from these sessions is excellent,” Chadwick said. “Care providers find it extremely helpful to have the support of advocates to help them and their patients.”
Passageway’s free and confidential services are available to any BWH/FH patient or employee. Please call Mardi Chadwick at 617-732-5009 for more information or pager 31808 to speak to an advocate directly.
BWH is participating in the third annual statewide White Ribbon Day Campaign March 2 at a table on the Tower 2 mezzanine. The campaign is geared toward engaging men in the fight to end domestic violence. Stop by the table and sign a pledge to speak out against violence and become part of the solution. All those who sign the pledge will receive a white ribbon.