Swedish Covenant Hospital Ties a Purple Ribbon Around Domestic Violence

by Bill Ligas | Oct 06, 2016

Group shot 2


Chicago, IL – If you walk into Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Galter Medical Pavilion this month, you’ll notice a tall ficus tree in the lobby decked out in purple ribbons. Swedish Covenant Hospital staff and several community organizations gathered on October 6th to decorate the tree and hand out purple lapel ribbons in observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

The purple ribbon has come to symbolize the anti-domestic violence movement. It represents courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending all forms of domestic violence. This activity is part of Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Violence Prevention Program, aimed to better equip health care providers to identify and respond to domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault. Swedish Covenant Hospital partners with four domestic violence organizations—Apna Ghar, Between Friends, Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network and KAN-WIN—to train providers and enhance violence screening, response and referral practices.  

Domestic violence is a very common issue that affects the health of many in our community. In addition to physical injuries, the stress of living with a violent or controlling partner can lead to additional physical and mental health problems and exacerbate existing medical conditions. Domestic violence is associated with higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, headaches, chronic pain, insomnia, fatigue, ulcers, substance abuse, depression and sexually transmitted diseases.

Community partners
Swedish Covenant Hospital staff gathers by the purple-ribboned tree with representatives of Apna Ghar, Between Friends, KAN-WIN, Swedish Covenant Hospital Pastoral Care and Swedish Covenant Medical Group providers.


Health care providers play a critical role in increasing patient safety and wellness, reducing isolation, shame and fear, and connecting victims to community supports and services. Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Violence Prevention Program provides training that helps providers become more comfortable talking with patients about domestic violence. The hospital can also provide resources to have on hand if a patient discloses they are in a violent relationship. 

If you are a survivor of domestic violence, we understand that it can be very hard to tell someone you are in a violent relationship. Realize first that you are not alone. There are agencies in the community ready to listen and give you information about options and resources. They can help you look for a safe place to stay, make safety plans, get an Order of Protection or other legal assistance, find support groups, meet other survivors and get emotional support for yourself and your children.  

To get involved in expanding Swedish Covenant Hospital’s capacity to support patients and staff members who may be victims of domestic violence, please contact Swedish Covenant Hospital's Women's Health Advocate Kate Lawler at 773-878-8200, ext. 6772 or klawler@SwedishCovenant.org.  

The purple ribbons will remain throughout the month of October as a powerful message that Swedish Covenant Hospital is committed to building a community free from abuse.



 

Recent Media Coverage

COVID vaccine hesitancy could dash Chicago's big reopening plans (ABC 7, 5/26/21)

EM Docs in the Streets: A Call for Community Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic (EMRA.org, 1/6/21)

Partaking In Patio Season? Be Very Careful, Doctors Say As Nervous Diners Emerge From Quarantine (Block Club Chicago, 6/16/20)

What's Behind the Largest Ever One-Year Drop in Cancer Deaths (WTTW, 1/13/20)

Techniques for Fluoro Reduction in the EP Lab: Tips From Swedish Covenant Hospital (EPLab Digest, 9/19)

Eczema Impacts Physical and Mental Health of 3.1M Americans (Fox 34, 8/19/19)

NorthShore University HealthSystem to acquire Swedish Covenant Hospital on Chicago's North Side (Chicago Tribune, 6/27/2019)

Swedish Covenant plans to join NorthShore by the end of this year (Chicago Sun Times, 6/27/2019)

NorthShore agrees to buy Swedish Covenant (Crain's Chicago Business, 6/27/2019)

Swedish Covenant Health expected to merge with NorthShore University HealthSystem by end of 2019 (Fierce Healthcare, 6/27/2019)

NorthShore agrees to buy Swedish Covenant in Chicago (Modern Healthcare, 6/27/2019)

Swedish Covenant Health Signs Agreement to Join NorthShore University HealthSystem (P&T Community, 6/27/2019)

NorthShore Reveals Agreement to Acquire Swedish Covenant (Patch, 6/27/2019)

NorthShore health system signs agreement to buy Swedish Covenant Health (Nadig Newspapers, 6/27/2019)

7 Things Nurses Wish Patients Knew (Get Old, 5/6/2019) 

#AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast - Episode 63.1 With Mark Raymond and Dr. Shayna Mancuso of The Clark

Healthy at Home: Nurse-Led Program shelters Homeless and Reduces ED Dependence (ENA Connection, May 2019)

On The Move After A Heart Attack (WGN, 5/20/2019)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Gets $950K Grant To Grow Program For Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Survivors (Block Club Chicago, 3/4/2019)

Hospital One of Eight in Nation to Receive Victim Assistance Grant (Covenant Companion, 2/28/2019)

Glitzing up the waiting room: Interior design is having its moment in health care (Crain's Chicago Business, 2/22/2019)

'Silent' heart attacks are more common than you think - and can be deadly (Chicago Sun Times, 2/3/2019)

Spine surgeon leader to know: Dr. Daniel Laich of Swedish Covenant Health (Becker's Spine Review, 1/22/2019)

Chicago Man Has Heart Attack in Front of Saving Neighbors (NBC5 Chicago, 1/9/2019)

Laughing gas for childbirth? More Chicago hospitals offering nitrous oxide to women in labor (Chicago Tribune, 12/20/2018)

Hospital Trains Hundreds in CPR in Single Day (Covenant Companion, 9/21/2018)

Out of the Shadows: Breaking the silence of domestic violence - and how healthcare providers can help (Chicago Health, 9/4/2018)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Opens Renovated Emergency Department (Covenant Companion, 8/22/2018)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Shows off Newly Renovated Emergency Room (WBBM, 8/21/2018)

Skin Cancer Diagnosis Turns into Social Media Movement (NBC 5 Chicago, 7/23/2018)

Sexual assualt nurses needed STAT (Chicago Tribune, 5/21/2018)

How To Pick Up A Toddler & Save Your Back, According To An Expert (Romper, 5/21/2018)

20 Foods Doctors Always Avoid While Traveling (BestLife, 5/10/2018)

Drinking Study Suggests Alcohol Guidelines for Men Too Loose (PBS | WTTW, 4/18/2018)

She went to the ER for a rape exam. Her nurse didn't know how to do one. (Chicago Tribune, 3/28/2018)

The Girlfriend's Guide to Chemical Peels (The Girlfriend, 3/8/2018)

Healing Power of Aromatherapy (Chicago Health, 3/5/2018)

We asked 13 doctors a simple question about how to improve our health. Here's their advice (Get Old, 2/26/18)

Chicago Hospitals Could House Homeless Patients (Planetizen, 1/24/18)

Saving lives, saving money: Hospitals set up homeless patients with permanent housing (Hartford Courant, 1/15/2018) 

Why more Chicago hospitals are getting into the housing business (Crain's Chicago Business, 1/11/18)

Swedish cozies up to its heritage (Crain's Chicago Business, 1/5/2018)

Investing In The Lab: The Hidden Jewel In The Healthcare System (Forbes, 1/5/2018)

Nitrous Oxide Provides Pain-Relief During Childbirth (Chicago Health, 12/20/2017)

How to tell a guest she can't hold your baby (Military One Click, 11/29/2017)

5 Tips That May Boost Your Immune System As You Age (Get Old, 11/12/2017)

Swedish Covenant Hospital's Nursing Home Named A U.S. News & World Report Top Performing Nursing Home (Public Now, 11/2/2017)

5 Chicago nursing homes named best in the nation (Crain's Chicago Business, 10/31/2017)

New Dental Practice Coming To Swedish Covenant Hospital (Public Now, 10/31/2017)

How to tell a guest she can't hold your baby (The Daily News, 10/31/2017)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Treats Advanced DVT/Pulmonary Embolism With AngioVac (Public Now, 10/26/2017)

Hospital Now Offers 'Laughing Gas' to Women in Labor (Covenant Companion, 9/25/2017)

IHA Recognizes Illinois Hospitals And Health Systems For Patient Safety Achievements (Public Now, 9/13/2017)

Does Sciatica Pain Go Away After Pregnancy? An Expert Explains (Romper, 9/8/2017)

How to tell a guest she can't hold your baby (Chicago Tribune, 9/6/2017)

NTI Interview - Pain Control: June Oliver, MSN, CNS (allnurses, 7/6/2017)

More than just a ride in the park: The many benefits of bicycling (Chicago Sun Times, 6/30/2017)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Among First To Deploy Novel Test to Combat Acute Kidney Injury Risk (Cision PR Newswire, 6/26/2017)

Summer Social At Swedish Covenant Hospital Draws 3,000 Visitors And Distributes 1,000 Free Bike Helmets (Public Now, 6/16/17)

Swedish Covenant Hospital completes phase 1 of 4 in ED renovation (Becker's Hospital Review, 6/13/2017)

Advice from a travel doctor: Plan ahead, pack your own utensils and don't get drunk (The Washington Post, 5/24/2017)

Swedish Covenant Hospital to Give Away Bike Helmets (Covenant Companion, 5/19/2017)

2 Upcoming Events To Get You Thinking About Bike Safety This Spring (Chicagoist, 5/17/2017)

Chicago hospital to give away 1,000 bike helmets (WGN9, 5/16/2017)

Chicago hospital giving away 1,000 bike helmets (The Washington Times, 5/15/2017)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Receives Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award (Public, 5/12/2017)

5 doctors with unusual hobbies (MIMS, 5/7/2017)

A Look at Current Technology to Prevent and Detect Sepsis (Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry, 4/25/2017)

Acclaimed Urologist, Peter T. Vaselopulos, MD, will be Displayed in The Leading Physicians of the World (University Chronicle, 4/24/2017)

5 Things Doctors Would Never Do (Chicago Health, February 2017)

8 ways to make heart health a part of your daily life (Get Old, 2/21/2017)

Varicose Veins: Not So Vain (Chicago Health, Spring 2017)

Swedish Covenant joins the race to overhaul its ER (Crain's Chicago Business, 2/2/2017)

Swedish Covenant Hospital posts patient reviews online (Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality, 1/24/2017)

Swedish Covenant Hospital names Dr. Bruce McNulty CMO: 3 things to know (Becker's Hospital Review, 1/6/2017)

Holiday How-To: Learn About Your Family Health History (Get Old, 12/27/2016)

Chicago Firefighters Play Santa's Helpers (CBS Chicago, 12/23/2016)

Procalcitonin passes automation hurdle (CAP Today, December 2016)


Behind the Epidemic of Opioid Abuse in the US (Chicago Tonight, 12/15/2016)

Early detection of sepsis in the ICU (Infection Control & Clinical Quality, 12/15/2016)

5 Healthy Eating Tips to Get You Through Thanksgiving (Get Old, 11/20/2016)

Here are the best nursing homes in Illinois, U.S. News says (Crain's Chicago Business, 11/16/2016)

Physical therapy proven to aid in relieving pelvic pain (ReachMD, 11/9/2016)

Swedish Covenant Medical Group Midwifery Practice Named Only "Triple Aim" Best Practice Group in Illinois (The Sounds, 9/24/2016)

AMT Member Spotlight: Isaias F. Torres, RMA (American Medical Technologists, September 2016)

Pure Oxygen Helps Wound Healing (Chicago Health, 8/15/2016)

New Swedish Covenant Hospital CEO Anthony Guaccio visits 30 floors in first 30 days (Becker's Hospital Review, 7/21/2016)

"Coreforms" at Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago (DOEprojekts, 7/5/2016)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Receives Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award (Public Now, 6/23/2016)

Swedish Covenant Hospital program unites expecting moms in discussion groups (Becker's Hospital Review, 5/25/2016)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Announces New CenteringPregnancy® Program (noodles, 5/24/2016)

5 safety-net hospitals, health systems to know, part 2 (Becker's Hospital Review, 5/20/2016)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Helps Raise Awareness for Stroke, the Leading Cause of Disability in the U.S. (noodls, 5/17/2016)

Art program helps Swedish Covenant cancer patients face their disease (Becker's Healthcare, May 16, 2016)

Moving psych patients through the ED: A new model features faster assessment, better safety (Today's Hospitalist, May 2016)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Gets 'A' for Safety (Covenant Companion, 5/3/3016)

Safest Hospitals in Illinois for 2016 (Reboot Illinois, 4/27/2016)

Safest Hospitals in Illinois: Report (Chicago Press Release Services, 4/27/2016)

Find out which Chicago hospitals are the safest (Crain's Chicago Business, 4/26/2016)

Leapfrog: 798 hospitals earn A scores for patient safety; See the list (Healthcare Finance, 4/25/2016)

Patient Safety Rankings: Best and Worst Illinois Hospitals (Naperville Patch, 4/25/2016)

Swedish Covenant Medical Group: About Darcie Trier (saignite, March 2016)

Why We Need Sleep (WGN-TV, March 21, 2016)

You are what you eat (Chicago Health Online, Spring 2016)

Hospitals raise awareness about managing heart disease during American Heart Month (AHA News, 2/18/2016)

Lincoln Square Lends Helping Hand to Families Displaced by Rogers Park Fire (DNAinfo, 1/20/2016)

Lincoln Square Food Pantry Donation (ABC 7 Eyewitness News, 1/8/2016)

EOS lip balm caused blisters, rash, lawsuit claims (Today Health & Wellness, 1/14/2016)

This Nurse Leader Cut LOS by 40% in the Emergency Department (Healthleaders Media, 1/12/2016)

Featured Buildings: Swedish Covenant Hospital (2015 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report, Dec. 2015)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Earns Recertification as a NICHE Designated Hospital (The Sounds, 12/19/2015)

New Immediate Care Centers Improve Access to Quality Care (Healthleaders Media, Dec. 2015)

New Resource for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment (The Chicago Doctor, Dec. 2015)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Gala: A Night for the Future (The Chicago Doctor, Dec 2015-Jan 2016)

Newton to step down as Swedish Covenant CEO, replaced by COO (Modern Health, 11/24/2015)

Swedish Covenant CEO to step down after 15 years at the helm (Crain's Chicago Business, 11/23/2015)

Swedish Covenant Hospital Once Again Recognized for Patient Safety (The Sounds, 11/21/2015)

Non-Surgical Treatment Helps Patients Suffering From Overactive Bladders (The Sounds, 11/7/2015)

Covenant Hospital Saves My Life, Again (Irish American News, 11/2015)

Swedish Covenant joins growing list of hospital urgent-care operators (Modern Healthcare, 7/27/15)

Health Insurance Shoppers Look to Limited Networks to Save Money (New York Times, 4/14/15)

Swedish Covenant's New Women's Health Center Breaks Down Barriers (DNAinfo, 10/2/2015) 

Swedish Covenant wants to dispense medical marijuana (Chicago Tribune, 7/21/14)

Cancer risk drives debate over hysterectomy tool (Chicago Tribune, 7/9/14)

Six months in, Obamacare impact on emergency room visits unclear (Sun-Times, 6/23/14)

Oral Cancer: Do You Know the Symptoms? (RadioMD, 4/7/2014)

Study Ranks Illinois’ Healthiest Counties (NBC Chicago, 3/27/2014)

Illinois deals with Medicaid application backlogs (Chicago Tribune, 3/24/2014)

Illinois hospitals shift to consumer convenience (Associated Press, 3/22/2014)

Affordable Care Act Press Conference featuring CEO Mark Newton (CAN TV, 3/18/2014)

ACA Enrollment Event Coverage (Univision, en espanol, 3/15/2014)

Swedish Covenant Hospital could benefit from 40th ward TIF district (DNAInfo, 3/10/2014)

Swedish Covenant Hospital hosts block party for healthcare enrollment (Lawndale News, 3/6/2014)

Obamacare signup push in 47th ward for ‘staggering’ number of uninsured (DNAInfo, 3/4/2014)

Advocate, Loyola among initial group to launch new Medicaid cost-saving initiative (Crain's Chicago Business, 3/3/2014)

A Glamorous Gala raises $815,000 for women's health (Pioneer Press, 2/10/2014)

Focusing on patients, not the condition: What hospitals need to know about avoiding Medicare readmission penalties (Becker’s Hospital Review, 2/5/2014)

Going grassroots: How Swedish Covenant Hospital is encouraging exchange enrollment (Becker’s Hospital Review, 1/17/2014)

Two Weeks Into Health Law's Rollout, Few Problems, Few Patients (The Wall Street Journal, 1/16/2014)

Health insurance enrollment surges in Illinois (Chicago Tribune, 1/14/2014)

A Look Inside the One of the Country's Safest Hospitals (Becker's, 1/10/2014)

3 more health insurers extend payment deadlines (Associated Press, 1/10/2014)

Executive Roundtable: What frustrates hospital CEOs, CIOs about health IT? (Becker’s Hospital Review, 1/10/2014)

Leapfrog Top Hospital Announcement (DNAInfo, 12/2/2013)

Back pain? A special sponge could help (WGN TV, 10/13/2013) 

Chicago doctors welcome Chinese girls with medical needs into their family (Chicago Tribune, 5/14/2013)



Newsroom

Swedish Hospital is proud to be considered an innovator and thought leader within the health care community. Please view a list of recent articles where the hospital or our clinicians have been cited.

For media inquiries, contact:

Bill Ligas
Corporate Communications Manager
Swedish Hospital
773-293-8889
bligas@SwedishCovenant.org
READ PATIENT STORIES

As a community hospital, we’re inspired to care for our patients as we would members of our own family. As a family, we have stories to share.

Learn More
Read Health and Wellness Articles

Tips on diet, lifestyle, parenting and more!

Learn More
VISIT OUR NEWSROOM

Keep up to date with official press releases and media appearances.

Learn More
Patient Stories

As a community hospital, we’re inspired to care for our patients as we would members of our own family. As a family, we have stories to share.

Learn More