Reducing Domestic Violence Toward Men and Women
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Domestic violence is a major public health concern for both men and women. Nearly one-third of American women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. It is estimated that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted by age 18. Without counseling and support, guilt and shame can evolve into chronic medical and mental health problems. Victims often engage in risky behaviors such as overeating, smoking and substance abuse.
Awareness, prevention and early intervention are keys to eliminating this problem in the community, and Lancaster General is working closely with local organizations to support educational efforts. Over the past year, Lancaster General also expanded domestic violence screening and referral programs throughout the health system. Specially trained staff offer confidential support, resources and information to patients disclosing abuse.
Lancaster County Children’s Alliance
A first step. That’s what The Rev. Thomas Miller saw when he attended an open house at the Lancaster County Children’s Alliance (LCCA), directly across from Lancaster General Hospital on Duke Street. The ordained clinical pastoral counselor and therapist saw a safe place where child victims of sexual assault could share their experience and begin healing.
As a faith-based crisis and abuse therapist, Miller understands the impact of abuse on child victims who live silently with their pain.
“Many of these individuals struggle (as adults) with severe depression and other negative and damaging behaviors impeding their personal lives, healthy growth and participation in their family and church community,” Miller explained.
“As a professional, I’m pleased that I can confidently speak to clients with a need for this service, and tell them there is a place with a safe person to talk to (at LCCA) and unpack what might be the terrifying facts at the earliest opportunity,” said Miller.
There is no cost to the family to have a child forensically interviewed or medically examined at LCCA. Appointments are made by the police or child protection investigators. In an emergency, the police or child protective services will work with you to have your child attended outside of normal office hours. To report suspected abuse, call Child Line at 800-932-0313. |
 Lancaster County Children’s Alliance (LCCA), formerly called OASIS, was formed to provide a supportive and sensitive interview and medical examination center for children suspected of being sexually abused. As a designated Children’s Advocacy Center, LCCA enables professionals from law enforcement and child protection, as well as prosecutors, victim advocates and the mental health and medical communities, to work as a team and reduce the need for children to recount their experiences in multiple interviews. Evidence collection through the center also enhances the community’s ability to identify and convict perpetrators.
The center opened in 2006 and recently obtained funding to become a fulltime service. Partners include the District Attorney’s Office of Lancaster, Lancaster County Children and Youth, the YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center, and Lancaster General.
According to center director Kari Stanley, the program has nearly doubled in one year. In 2007, the center assisted 241 children. Between January and June of 2008, 212 children were seen. Stanley believes the increase is due more to greater awareness of the service and changes in mandatory reporting laws than an increase in child sexual assault cases.
To further enhance awareness and prevention, LCCA is planning a literacy program for elementary school students in 2009 and 2010 that will introduce information on how to make safe choices. |
Silent Witness Exhibit
 During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, activities were held nationally to commemorate losses due to domestic violence and educate the public about the issues and the resources available to victims.
As part of its commitment to prevent domestic violence and assist those who have experienced it, Lancaster General partnered with Domestic Violence Services and Victim Witness Services to sponsor a Silent Witness Exhibit at various locations throughout the county.
Begun in 1990, the Silent Witness program is an international display comprised of free-standing, life-sized red wooden figures. Each figure bears the name of a victim of domestic violence who once lived in Lancaster County and whose life ended violently at the hands of a family member or acquaintance. An unnamed figure was added to represent those uncounted men, women and children whose murders went unsolved or were erroneously ruled accidental.
The Silent Witness display shown here at Lancaster General Health Campus, commemorates victims of domestic violence in Lancaster County. Created by Lancaster General, in collaboration with Domestic Violence Services and Victim Witness Services, the exhibit of life-sized wooden figures represents the men, women and children who died in Lancaster County as a result of family violence. The display traveled to hospitals, schools and colleges and public sites during October, which was Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Additional Lancaster General Programs Aimed at Addressing Domestic Violence
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