Read stories of courage, hope and survival contributed by Kaiser Permanente physicians, medical staff and employees who have dealt with domestic violence.
"Monsters" Video Shows Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
A gripping new video allows viewers to see the devastating view of domestic violence through the eyes of a child. Produced by the Verizon Foundation, in partnership with the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the “MONSTERS” video shows the immediate and long-term impact on children who witness domestic violence.”
Studies suggest that between 3.3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence each year. And according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, witnessing violence between parents or caregivers is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. Girls who witness abuse are more likely to be abused later in life and boys are twice as likely to abuse their own partners.
“To end this devastating cycle of violence, we must motivate silent bystanders to take action,” said Rose Kirk, president of the Verizon Foundation. “People need to understand that when they look the other way, they condone this deplorable behavior.”
The video encourages the public to get involved in domestic violence prevention and education efforts, and also emphasizes that help for victims and their families is just a phone call away: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). While the video only portrays one form of domestic violence, it is the most prevalent form. Women account for 85 percent of victims of intimate partner violence.
Winners Announced in “Apps Against Abuse” Challenge
"Apps Against Abuse" is a national competition to develop an innovative software application, or “app,” that provides young adults with tools to help prevent sexual assault and dating violence. Vice President Joe Biden, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius launched this technology challenge in July 2011, the winners of the challenge were announced in October 2011.
“Just as technology is changing the way young people communicate with each other every day, it’s also changing the way young people can protect themselves and their friends from becoming victims of sexual violence,” said Vice President Biden.
Young women aged 16-24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, while one in five will be a victim of sexual assault during college. Many of these assaults occur when the offender, often an acquaintance, has targeted and isolated a young woman in vulnerable circumstances. Through the “Apps Against Abuse” challenge, developers created easy-to-use applications that provide a targeted ways for young women to designate trusted friends, allies, or emergency contacts and provide a means for checking-in with these individuals in real-time, particularly in at-risk situations. The winning applications also provide quick access to resources and information on sexual assault and teen dating violence, as well as where to go for help.
“Everyone has a role to play in the prevention of violence and abuse,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “This application can be another way to encourage young women and men to take an active role in the prevention of dating violence and sexual assault.”
Read more about the winning applications, "On Watch" and "Circle of 6" at the White House Blog. The applications will be available for free public download in early 2012.
Resources for Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness
Several national campaigns are working to end teen dating violence:
"Choose Respect" is a CDC initiative that helps teens form healthy relationships to prevent dating violence. This national effort helps parents and educators motivate teens to challenge harmful beliefs about dating violence and take steps to form healthy and respectful relationships. BOM (Boss of Me) 411 is a group of teens helping other teens dial down the drama in their relationships.
Thatsnotcool.com raises awareness about digital dating abuse to stop it before it gets worse. The Coaching Boys Into Men campaign invites men to be part of the solution by teaching boys that violence never equals strength.
Tools and resources for teens
Love is respect - National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline's interactive Teen Power and Control Wheel. Each spoke of the wheel addresses a different tactic abusers employ in order to control a partner. By clicking on each spoke of the wheel you can view the video diary of a scenario that corresponds with that description. This wheel is a great tool for conducting discussions about teen dating abuse and brainstorming possible resolutions.
“You deserve a safety zone” is a Kaiser Permanente (KP) tip sheet for teens who may be dealing with violence or abuse in their dating relationships. The tip sheet helps teens assess the health of their relationships, encourages teens to seek help, and provides resource information.
"Is it abuse?" is a video created by the Kaiser Permanente (KP) Colorado Youth Advisory Council, in partnership with the KP Colorado Educational Theatre Programs and IPV Teen Task Force.
CDC'S INJURY CENTER ANNOUNCES CDC-TV VIDEO
"BREAK THE SILENCE"
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) announced that the CDC now broadcasts public health videos through the CDC.gov Web page and the first segment developed, “Break the Silence: Stop the Violence,” addresses the topic of teen dating violence. View this innovative video, “Break the Silence,” where real parents and teens discuss the problem of dating violence and how to stop it before it starts.
Podcast on domestic violence, featuring Dr. Brigid McCaw
This 6.5 minute podcast features Brigid McCaw, MD, Medical Director of the Kaiser Permanente Family Violence Prevention Program in Northern California. Dr. McCaw discusses the following:
- Scope and impact of domestic violence among adults and teens
- Role of the healthcare setting in addressing domestic violence
- Signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship
- What to do when abuse is recognized
Women's Health Cultural Competency Handbook for providers.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing linguistically and culturally competent care to its increasingly diverse membership. Meeting the needs of its membership and addressing the urgent national problem of disparities in health status and health care delivery require interventions that are respectful, patientcentered, and culturally skilled. One such intervention is the Provider Handbooks. The goal of the Provider Handbooks is to provide Kaiser Permanente clinicians with an overview of cultural and epidemiological characteristics of major cultural groups, with a focus on common characteristics of each group that may have implications for health care organizations and practitioners.
Brigid McCaw, MD wrote the chapter on "Intimate Partner Violence" which includes key concepts that clinicians should know about IPV, considerations about IPV among different cultural and demographic groups, and a recommended approach for clinicians.
The Women's Health Handbook, which is the latest in the series on Culturally Competent Care was developed by the Kaiser Permanente National Diversity Council and the National Diversity Office.
Kaiser Permanente, America’s leading integrated health care organization,
is committed to being an active partner in the solution to domestic violence. To learn more watch the video.
A gripping new video allows viewers to see the devastating view of domestic violence through the eyes of a child. Produced by the Verizon Foundation, in partnership with the 
"Apps Against Abuse" is a national competition to develop an innovative software application, or “app,” that provides young adults with tools to help prevent sexual assault and dating violence. Vice President Joe Biden, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius launched this technology challenge in July 2011, the 
Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing linguistically and culturally competent care to its increasingly diverse membership. Meeting the needs of its membership and addressing the urgent national problem of disparities in health status and health care delivery require interventions that are respectful, patientcentered, and culturally skilled. One such intervention is the Provider Handbooks. The goal of the Provider Handbooks is to provide Kaiser Permanente clinicians with an overview of cultural and epidemiological characteristics of major cultural groups, with a focus on common characteristics of each group that may have implications for health care organizations and practitioners.