May 10, 2002

It was an emotional night but one to be celebrated as several women representing countless others stood proudly before family, friends and co-workers to tell their powerful and often frightening tales of how they transformed themselves from victims of domestic violence to survivors.

Employees from throughout the hospital came together May 2, to celebrate 10 years of keeping domestic violence awareness alive at the MGH at a special ceremony called "Seeds of Change."

Awareness of this important issue formally began at the MGH in 1992 with the establishment of the Domestic Violence Working Group (DVWG). The goal of the interdisciplinary group is to educate, protect and represent members of the MGH community who have been affected by domestic violence. In 1997, the group established HAVEN (Hospitals Helping Abuse and Violence End Now) to enhance the hospital's response to this issue.

Other keynote speakers at the event included Bonnie Zimmer, MSW, director of HAVEN and chair of the DVWG (at left); Evelyn Bonander, MSW, executive director of Social Services; and Andrea Stidsen, director of the Partners Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

MGH Police and Security staff members also play a crucial role in the fight against domestic violence. Under the direction of Bonnie Michelman, Police and Security works closely with the EAP and HAVEN to ensure the safety of anyone needing assistance. Officers, who have undergone sensitivity training for such situations, can provide escorts to court proceedings, ensure office safety and install panic buttons and phone taps.

Every year, 2 million women are victimized by domestic violence in the United States. Studies have shown that approximately 30 percent of women seen in urban emergency departments are battered women.

For more information about the DVWG and HAVEN, call (617) 726-3810.