December 11, 1998

MGH employees, patients and visitors gathered in the MGH Chapel Dec. 4 at a service of remembrance and healing for those affected by the impact of domestic violence. The vigil included songs, readings, prayers and the echoes of a gong in memory of each life lost to family violence this year in Massachusetts.

Bridget*, an advocate in the MGH HAVEN program, says the vigil helps break the silence about an injustice that affects the whole MGH community. "The service allowed us to join together to mourn the suffering and loss of those killed and to commit ourselves to working together to end domestic violence," she says.

Employees can help address the problems of abuse by screening patients and offering supportive services; helping colleagues who work with victims or who are experiencing domestic violence themselves; and supporting local battered women's programs. MGHers can begin making a difference by becoming aware of the following resources available to the hospital community:

• HAVEN (Hospitals Helping Abuse and Violence End Now) – a program with a multilingual staff – offers resources for MGH patients experiencing abuse and provides training for employees. For information, call 4-0054.
  
• The Employee Assistance Program provides confidential support to MGH, BWH and Partners-affiliated employees with personal problems. A domestic violence specialist is on staff. For information, call 6-6976.
  
• Police and Security assists MGH employees and patients with safety planning, restraining orders and personal security within the hospital and at home. For information, call 6-2121.
  
• The MGH Chaplaincy provides consultation and spiritual support to patients, visitors and employees. For information, call 6-2220.
  
• The Domestic Violence Working Group, comprised of a multidisciplinary staff, discusses and implements strategies to increase awareness and understanding of domestic violence throughout the MGH community. The group meets monthly and welcomes new members. For information, call 4-0054.

Domestic Violence Case Review provides a confidential, monthly forum for care providers to discuss cases and obtain clinical support. For information, call 4-0054.

Cantor Shelia Cline sings with MGHers, patients and friends at the domestic violence vigil.

* In keeping with HAVEN policy, only the first names of patient advocates are printed.