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It’s hard to think about. Someone intentionally
hurting a person they claim to love. But it happens more than you
might imagine.
More than one in three women treated in emergency departments
says they have experienced emotional and/or physical abuse during
her lifetime, according to an article in the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA). But now, through a cooperative effort
between Saint Joseph Health Center and Rose Brooks Center, women
will have access to immediate safety and support.
“Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless
of age, race or economic background,” says Julie Beck, associate
director of community programs for Rose Brooks Center. Health care
providers can be a front-line defense against domestic violence
by recognizing the signs of abuse, asking the appropriate questions
and connecting the patient to safety and other supportive resources.
“It’s not a private matter as many used to
believe,” says Beck. “Each year, more than one million
women seek medical assistance for injuries caused by domestic violence.
Tragically, domestic violence is prevalent in our country, state
and our own community.”
The Bridge Program is a confidential, voluntary program
with the goal to empower victims of domestic violence to make their
own decisions by providing knowledge and other resources to break
free from the violence in their lives. The Rose Brooks Center now
operates its Bridge Program at six area hospitals. It is available
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to patients, visitors
and employees. “Domestic violence creates a cycle,” says
Beck. “Many times it is not just the victim receiving the abuse
who suffers. If there are children in the home, they suffer too.
And children learn from what they see. When they see people acting
violently, they are more likely to use violence when they grow up.”
The Bridge Program is available twenty-four hours a day, seven
days a week. Ann Graves, Saint Joseph Health Center Bridge Advocate,
can be reached Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 816-943-2640
or by page at 816-818-5918. All other times, call the Bridge
access line at 816-545-4700.
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