By Audrey Bergin
Launched in October of 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was created to connect individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness about this public health issue.
In honor of October’s designation as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Audrey Bergin wrote the following column for Jmore. She is the founder and manager of the DOVE program at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown and has more than 30 years of experience working with survivors of abuse.
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The Domestic Violence (DOVE) Program at Northwest Hospital is a part of LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope. DOVE has been serving victims and survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence for 18 years.
Many people think of physical violence in abusive relationships, but abuse may involve emotional and psychological abuse, isolation, controlling behaviors, extreme jealousy, intimidation and threats, technology abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, sexual abuse and stalking by a current or former partner.
Unfortunately, intimate partner violence and abuse is common and impacts people from all races, religions, ages, abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status and more.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced physical or sexual violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Domestic violence not only leads to injuries and disabilities but can also lead to other health issues such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurological problems, chronic pain, asthma, gastrointestinal problems, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, problems with pregnancy and more.
Survivors of domestic violence are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Sadly, domestic violence can also lead to death. Domestic violence is a public health issue.
In 2020, the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence reported that Maryland saw the highest number of domestic violence-related fatalities (56) since 2007, and last year it increased again slightly to 58. Baltimore City and County had the highest number of fatalities in 2021, with nearly 40% of all domestic violence-related fatalities in the state.
At Northwest Hospital, medical providers who identify a patient as a victim or survivor of intimate partner violence call the DOVE Program 24/7. DOVE Advocates speak with the patient in person or by phone to provide crisis counseling, education about domestic violence, assess for risk of being killed and help plan for safety, provide information about DOVE and other local services and resources. The hospital provides a safe place to confidentially discuss what is going on and learn about services provided by DOVE.
DOVE also receives referrals from the Baltimore County Police Department in the precincts in south and northwest Baltimore County. DOVE Advocates conduct home visits with the police to survivors who are at high risk of being killed, and place phone calls to all other survivors. Finally, DOVE receives referrals from other community agencies and from survivors reaching out to us.
In addition to immediate crisis counseling, the DOVE Program provides ongoing individual counseling for survivors and their children, as well as a women’s support group, in person and virtually. The DOVE attorney provides representation at protective order hearings, and advocates may accompany a survivor to court for emotional support.
Advocates provide a range of services in the immediate crisis and long-term. DOVE services are geared toward helping people become safer by learning about options like protective orders, VINE (Victim Notification Everyday), criminal injuries compensation and other local resources.
DOVE tries to help eliminate some barriers to leaving an unsafe relationship through help with basic needs, such as short-term emergency shelter for those at high risk of being killed, food and connection to housing resources. DOVE also has a therapy dog, in training, named George. Research shows just 5 minutes with a pet can lower stress hormones. Survivors can choose to have George join their therapy sessions.
Many people wonder why someone stays in an abusive relationship. DOVE recognizes there are many barriers to leaving including financial, fear, religious and cultural beliefs, children, immigration status, hope that the relationship will change and much more.
Leaving is the most dangerous time and survivors may experience greater risk of assaults, stalking, housing instability and threats to their life. After being isolated from friends and family, they may have no support system. Some survivors stay in the relationship, some leave and return multiple times. We provide non-judgmental support.
DOVE is not the expert in someone else’s relationship, and so we do not tell survivors what to do. DOVE staff work hard to provide options and resources and help survivors weigh the pros and cons of different actions. We work to understand survivors’ individual situation and strengths and develop a plan to help keep them and their children as safe as possible, whether they decide to remain in the relationship, are thinking about leaving, or have left.
DOVE has advocates who speak Spanish, Urdu, Panjabi, Hindi, but we also collaborate with other agencies. Sometimes survivors prefer services within their culture or religion, so DOVE may refer to CHANA for a Jewish response or Adelante Familia for Latino families.
All the services are confidential and free of charge. Everyone deserves to be safe and free from harm. Reach out for help for yourself or provide information to a friend or family member.
Contact the DOVE Program at 410-496-7555, Monday-Friday during business hours. You can also reach out through their website. For information about CHANA visit its website: chanabaltimore.org. Local 24/7 hotlines for domestic violence include Baltimore County (410-828-6390) and Baltimore City (410-889-7884).
Audrey Bergin is the founder and manager of DOVE.
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