Buffalo Hospital and area clinics help local victims
In 1998, Buffalo Hospital, Buffalo Clinic and Allina Medical Clinic-Buffalo physicians and employees began asking all patients privately whether they were experiencing abuse, and offer information and resources. Referred to advocates at Rivers of Hope, a non-profit advocacy organization for victims of violence, many patients find safety and a new life.
Staff training includes how to assess patients for potential abuse, ask sensitive questions and respond to patients in a safe and private manner. Health care providers are in a unique position to identify and assist victims of violence. The health care setting is very confidential and patients already turn to doctors and nurses for support and resources for their health care. This screening was developed to reach out to victims of violence and help them take that first step. The hospital’s goal is the have 100 percent of adult patients asked if they are in safe relationships.
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