Citation

Hadley SM, Short LM, Lezin N, Zook E. Womens Health Issues 1995; 5(4): 189-198.

Affiliation

WomanKind: Support Systems for Battered Women, Fairview Health System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/1049-3867(95)00055-0

PMID

8574114

Abstract

This article focuses on the role of the WomanKind program in creating opportunities for discussing domestic violence and training health professionals. The WomanKind program is based on the belief that without such discussion, health care providers will continue to treat the medical and mental health problems that bring women to their doors without addressing the underlying pattern of abuse that is the root cause. WomanKind has evolved to integrate case management/advocacy services for victims of domestic abuse, in addition to education and consultation for health professionals. It also provides case management and advocacy services, including crisis intervention, assessment and evaluation, and ongoing assistance to battered women who suffer from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by a current or former partner. The WomanKind staff consists of a director who oversees the program, including marketing and public relations, education and training, as well as assisting the full-time program coordinators at each of the three hospital sites. An intensive 40-hour training program provides the new WomanKind volunteers with an understanding of the issues of domestic abuse and violence, as well as knowledge of community resources. The program goals are elaborated in this article as well as the program marketing techniques.

Language: en