Community Benefit Fall Report 2007 - (Page 12)

Lancaster General Domestic Violence Today omestic violence is a major public health concern that very often leads to chronic medical and mental health problems as well as risky behaviors such as overeating, depression, smoking and substance abuse. Nearly one-third of American women experience domestic violence during their lifetime. In fact, it is the leading cause of female homicides and injury-related deaths during pregnancy. And studies show that up to 35 percent of women seen in emergency departments are there because of domestic violence. Lancaster General is addressing this healthcare priority in a number of ways. We continue to heighten our staff’s awareness of domestic violence issues and enhance their skills in detecting signs of abuse in patients. Many victims will not initiate a conversation about a violent relationship, because they are fearful or embarrassed, or because they do not consider themselves victims. That is why we train our employees how to identify possible abuse and open the conversation in a nonthreatening manner. Last year, more than 130 Lancaster General employees attended classes about the health impact of domestic violence, and we added computer-based training modules on recognizing and responding to abuse. Staff in key areas such as Lancaster General’s Emergency Department and Family Health Services, Women & Babies Hospital, our Healthy Progressing Toward a Healthier Tomorrow By Focusing on D Beginnings Plus and our Cardiac Rehab programs received specialized training on how to offer confidential support, resources and information to patients disclosing abuse. Staff also learned specific techniques for assessing the overall impact of domestic violence on a patient’s health. These clinical areas will serve as models for the rest of Lancaster General as we expand domestic-violence screening throughout the health system in the coming year. As the county’s largest employer and with a staff that is 80 percent female, we continue to hone the tools set to support employees who themselves are victims of domestic violence. We utilize our Domestic Violence Employee Awareness and Assistance Policy and other resources, and we have trained our managers to respond to telltale signs of an employee affected by domestic violence. Because heightening awareness is key to reducing domestic violence, Lancaster General collaborates with community partners to offer educational seminars and conferences. In September 2007, Lancaster General joined Mental Health America and the Lancaster County MH/MR/EI as cosponsor of a conference called “The Many Faces of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: How Communities, Families and Professionals Can Help.” As discussed at the conference, statistics show that women in abusive relationships have higher 12 http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/GSv6n4_01.htm http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/Healthy_Beginnings_Plus.htm http://www.nmha.org/ http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco/cwp/view.asp?a=1&q=522756 http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/GSv6n3_03.htm http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/GSv6n3_03.htm http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/FHS.htm http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/LG_WomenandBabiesHospital.htm http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/Healthy_Beginnings_Plus.htm http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/FHS.htm

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Community Benefit Fall Report 2007

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