SHORES expands to Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis

Via Christi this week- July 26, 2010

SHORES, the collaborative domestic violence response program featured at Via Christi Hospital on Harry since 2007, has expanded services to include Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis. A blessing and open house was held July 15. SHORES — Survivors in Healthcare: Options, Resources and Education Services — is a partnership between Catholic Charities Harbor House and Via Christi Health. Its staff works with Via Christi’s existing Emergency and Case Management services for domestic violence victims by offering patient counseling, referral to safe housing and staff education to help screen patients reluctant to talk about their situation. Services can be made through other areas such as Pastoral Care and Security, and also are available to staff and visitors. An increase in funding by the federal Violence Against Women Act grant has allowed a part-time coordinator to be added to the staff. SHORES is the only program of its kind in south-central Kansas. “Our intention was always to expand the program to cover more than one location,” said Julie O’Neill, SHORES coordinator at Catholic Charities. “We are excited to serve the community at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis. We are very excited about our partnership with Via Christi Health,” said O’Neill. Symptoms of domestic violence aren’t always obvious, said O’Neill. Instead of bruises or other injuries, they may be as elusive as a chronic headache or sleep or digestive problems. “Living in a violent home can affect someone’s health in many ways, but when clinicians don’t know about a patient’s situation, they may miss or misdiagnose the cause of the person’s problems,” she added. “Screening for domestic violence isn’t just about safety; it’s about good health care.” Since its launch, referrals for SHORES services have increased more than 800 percent, added O’Neill. SHORES provides services at no cost to the patient or hospitals, she said.