In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Swedish Hospital, NorthShore staff and several community organizations held a virtual purple ribbon ceremony. Swedish staff and community partners also decorated a ficus tree with purple ribbons as a symbol of the anti-domestic violence movement. The purple ribbons will remain on the tree throughout October as a powerful public message that Swedish Hospital is committed to building a community free of violence and abuse.
Health care providers play a critical role in increasing patient safety and wellness; reducing isolation, shame and fear; and connecting survivors to community resources and services. Swedish Hospital partners with Apna Ghar, Between Friends, the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence, KAN-WIN, Resilience, the Salvation Army Stop-it Program, Sarah’s Circle, the Jane Addams Resources Center, the YWCA of Evanston, the Hana Center, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, CPD District #20 and the State’s Attorney’s Office to train providers; enhance screening, response and referral practices and provide resources to patients who disclose they are in a harmful relationship.
The event was attended by members of the Pathways Steering Committee at Evanston Hospital. The Pathways Program is expanding to legacy NorthShore hospitals beginning this year with Evanston Hospital. If you are concerned about someone who may be in a controlling or abusive relationship, call the Pathways Program at Swedish Hospital (
Ext. 4673). For more information, contact Kate Lawler at
klawler@schosp.org.
