Northwest Hospital's DOVE Program Earns Top Honors for Enduring Efforts to Help Domestic Violence Victims

Randallstown, MD - The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) has recognized the DOVE Program at Northwest Hospital for its tireless and successful efforts to help victims of domestic violence. An additional honor went to case manager Cassie Offutt for her individual efforts.

The team from DOVE (which is the Domestic Violence Program at Northwest Hospital), received the MNADV's 2015 Lethality Assessment Program Hospital Award in recognition of their high level of performance in providing safety, counseling, support services and empowerment to people who may be in highly dangerous situations.

MNADV noted that the DOVE program provided nearly half of all lethality assessment screenings done at participating Maryland hospitals. Additionally, DOVE's individualized services, including having advocates speak to every victim, resulted in 30 percent of those victims using available services. The award also recognized DOVE's program of in-home follow-up visits, in partnership with the Baltimore County Police Department.

"At Northwest Hospital, we are so proud of the DOVE program and thankful for the important work that it does," says Brian White, president of Northwest Hospital and senior vice president of LifeBridge Health. "The DOVE team not only helps survivors of domestic violence; their mission also includes educating medical staff to recognize signs of domestic violence, so people can receive proper medical treatment and social support."

DOVE's Cassie Offutt received the 2015 Domestic Violence Service Provider Award for her dedication to victims of domestic violence. Her involvement extends into the Emergency Department and into individuals' homes as well as into the community to find shelter and other support services when needed.

In addition to her position as DOVE's crisis worker for its Lethality Assessment Program, Offutt also volunteers forTurnAround, Inc., an organization devoted to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Through her ongoing efforts, Offutt has established strong relationships with law enforcement, hospital workers, colleagues in the domestic violence field from numerous agencies and community advocates.

In 2014, the DOVE program marked its tenth anniversary. In its 11-year history, the team has helped thousands of people through 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, court accompaniment, case management, individual and group therapy, as well as education and training.

Northwest Hospital is part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health also includes Sinai Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and related subsidiaries and affiliations.

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