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BWH kicked off its recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a service Wednesday to honor survivors. Next week, the stirring Clothesline Project will be on display in the lobby at 75 Francis St.
“Domestic violence is all too real for so many of our patients, their families and staff, but we can and should be proud of the comforting care our nurses, physicians, social workers, advocates and so many other staff deliver to those who depend on us,” BWH President Gary Gottlieb said.
During this week’s service to honor survivors, Margaret Hickey, RN, nurse manager of the Center for Labor and Birth, recounted an inspiring story of how staff recently delivered such care to an expecting mother who had been assaulted by her boyfriend. “The outline of his hand print was still visible on her cheek when she arrived at the hospital,” Hickey said.
Labor and Delivery nurses, an Obstetrics social worker and a Passageway advocate teamed up to care for this patient and her 2-year-old child and place them in a safe house. “I’m proud to say they are receiving the ongoing support they need to address the effects of domestic violence,” Hickey said.
That patient appreciated the care and comfort she received at BWH, specifically mentioning that she felt respected and no longer alone.
The effects of domestic violence appear all across BWH, said Gottlieb. “Our care givers see the impact of domestic violence too often in the Connors Center, the Emergency Department, our primary care practices and in our community health centers. But our vigilance in recognizing the impact on the individual, the respect we show and the support we provide truly make a difference every day,” he said.
To access Passageway for services, consultation or training, call 617-732-8753.
The Clothesline Project is a national project where people come together to bear witness to violence against women by creating t-shirts with art and inspiring messages. The shirts are testimony to the issue of violence in our community.
Individuals who receive care and/or work within the Brigham and Women’s and Faulkner Hospital communities made t-shirts that will be displayed as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The t-shirts offer insight into survivors’ stories of struggle, pain, resilience and healing.
Passageway and Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Domestic Violence Steering Committee will display The Clothesline Project at the following locations:
Oct. 10 to 16: 75 Francis St. Lobby
Oct. 17 to 19: Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Health Center
Oct. 23 to 27: Faulkner Hospital.