Women's Health Awareness Council discusses violence against women

Thanks to all who attended our third meeting of the Women’s Health Awareness Council: Violence Against Women: Exploring Health Care’s Role in Serving Victims of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. During the lunch on October 30 at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, council members discussed the need to combine efforts to tackle violence against women in Chicago, and more globally.Violence against women is a global epidemic that affects women of every age, culture and socioeconomic status. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.Health care settings are a critical point of intervention for women who face violence at home. Women who are unable or afraid to access other support services may be treated for injuries or illness, creating a confidential, private space for women to speak with an experienced health care provider.“Prosecutors cannot do this work alone,” said panelist Jennifer Greene, policy advisor, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. “Domestic violence is a major epidemic in our city. It really does take all of us [to fight it].”Also in attendance were Representative Greg Harris (13th district) and panelists: Summar Ghias, STOP-IT Program Coordinator, Salvation Army; Kim Leslie, RN, MS, emergency department clinical director, Swedish Covenant Hospital; and, Laura Washington, columnist,Chicago Sun-Times, who moderated the event.If you missed the LiveStream of the meeting,CLICK HERE.And don’t forget to continue the conversation on social media using the hashtag:#BreakingDownWalls