The Domestic Violence and Health Care Partnership (DVHCP) project was funded and made possible by Blue Shield of California Foundation.
Domestic and sexual violence (DSV) is a public health epidemic and one of the most significant social determinants of health. It directly impacts 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the US, as well as their family members, friends, and communities. DSV contributes to injuries, chronic health issues, high-risk health behaviors, and creates a significant strain on the healthcare system.
Explore the health impacts of DSV.
Cultivating Partnerships
The healthcare and domestic violence fields are defining new ways to work together to improve response to DSV, promote prevention, improve survivor health, and ultimately build safer and healthier communities.
Read the evaluation summary from the Blue Shield of California Foundation to learn more about the key findings, lessons learned, and the impact of the DVHCP.
Also see the University of Pittsburgh’s evaluation report for a more detailed summary of the objectives, evaluation methods, and evaluation results of the DVHCP.
Read the stories of impact from a few of the partnerships, from interviews conducted by The Blue Shield of California Foundation.
The healthcare system provides an important entry point for identifying survivors and creating linkages to advocacy services. Healthcare professionals have an opportunity to provide universal education on safe and healthy relationships, assess for DSV, and intervene if abuse is identified.
Advocacy programs serve as an entry point for identifying survivors’ health needs and providing access to health services and preventative care. DSV advocates have an opportunity to improve survivor health, provide education on health impacts of DSV and create linkages to medical homes.
The Mission
In 2014, Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) funded the Domestic Violence and Health Care Partnership (DVHCP) project to better address the intersections of health and DSV, end domestic violence, and improve the health of Californians.
Through cross-training, trauma-informed responses, warm referrals and new policies, intentional partnerships are changing systems to provide comprehensive coordinated care, supporting survivor health and preventing violence in a way that is unprecedented.
“On behalf of those who need help the most, these organizations all stood up and worked incredibly hard together to make a difference. They are an exemplar of what it looks like, and what’s possible, when we are willing to bridge divides, think bigger, and reach further.”
—Lucia Corral Peña, Blue Shield of California Foundation
“Because of the partnership, we have strong champions for integrated care within our agency…the more we can be integrated as a system and across disciplines, the better we are going to be able to identify and serve survivors.”
—Health Center Staff Member
Data
- Over ⅓ of patients disclose DSV to their healthcare provider because of partnership improvements, far exceeding the 1-2% average disclosure rates noted in research
Lesson
- In partnerships, a cross-sector care team accomplishes more than individuals in promoting health and safety
