Pathways Program

The Pathways program at Swedish Hospital aims to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to identify and respond to patients impacted by domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault.

Survivors of interpersonal violence utilize the healthcare system at a rate 2.5 times higher than patients who are not in harmful relationships. Hospital clinicians may be the only professionals with a reason to speak with a patient alone, and may be the only ones to notice red flags that signal their patient is experiencing harm.

During the first year of the program, Swedish Hospital helped 244 patients affected by domestic violence, human trafficking or sexual assault.  In Year Five, Swedish helped 391 patients, a 60% increase in the number served compared to Year One.  Now, in its sixth year, more than 2,200 medical providers and staff have been trained and over 1,600 survivors have been identified and assisted. 

Swedish Hospital’s program provides: 

• Training and education for medical providers and staff.

• On-site crisis intervention and immediate safety planning for patients.

• Community partner referrals for counseling, case management, legal advocacy, shelter and transitional housing.

• Care and forensic evidence collection by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.

• Trauma-informed medical, dental and mental health services.

• Prevention through education, awareness-raising and advocacy.

• Safe transportation to emergency shelter.

How can you help?                

Read more articles about the Pathways Program.

To learn more about the Pathways Program or how you can help, please contact Swedish Hospital Foundation at (773) 293-5121 or schfoundation@schosp.org.