Departments in the Communities Highlight: DOVE Program at Northwest Hospital

The DOVE Program has served the community for over 16 years.

DOVE's mission is to provide crisis intervention, advocacy and treatment to victims of domestic violence in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner, within a hospital and community setting to empower victims to make decisions that will enhance safety and self-sufficiency.

The DOVE team responds 24/7 to patients identified in the hospital as being victims/survivors of domestic violence, as well as police calling from the scene when they respond to a domestic assault and find the survivor to be at high risk for being killed. DOVE also reaches out to all survivors of domestic violence with police involvement in the surrounding precincts. 
 

Once we have connected with survivors, DOVE tries to eliminate barriers to safety by assisting with planning for safety, connections to shelter, legal representation at Protective Order Hearings, ongoing case management, assistance with basic needs, and individual and group counseling for survivors and their children. All of DOVE's services are free of charge.   

During COVID-19, the DOVE Program was able to continue all its services using a virtual telehealth platform, phone communication and in-person meetings. Counseling services immediately shifted to a virtual platform, including individual sessions for adults and their children, a support group for women, and art therapy sessions. Case management and advocacy are provided by phone, and in-person as needed. The DOVE Attorney continued going to court throughout the pandemic to represent clients in Protective Order Hearings.  

Other departments at LifeBridge Health can help the DOVE team by being informed about the services they're able to provide. The DOVE Program is available to assist patients, visitors and team members who may be survivors of domestic violence. We want everyone at LBH to know about our services and let others know about them. We want everyone to get the help and support they deserve. During the holidays, we have an Adopt-A-Family project where different departments adopt a family and get gifts for the family