AHN Intimate Partner Violence Program Recognized with Prestigious Service Award from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf

Program from AHN’s Center for Inclusion Health provides real-time response to patients who disclose intimate partner violence, which has increased in prevalence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Intimate Partner Violence Program, part of the AHN Center for Inclusion Health, is a 2021 recipient of the ‘Governor’s Victim Service Pathfinder’ award. The program was selected for its service to patients at AHN who are victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). It is one of six individuals/organizations across the state of Pennsylvania that were recognized this year for their commitment to enhancing the lives of victims of crime.

Launched in late 2018, the AHN IPV program is funded by a generous grant from the West Penn Hospital Foundation. The program is anchored by a  partnership between AHN caregivers from the Center for Inclusion Health and advocates from Crisis Center North – a Pittsburgh-based counseling and resource center for victims of IPV and their families. The onsite advocates at AHN’s Allegheny General Hospital, West Penn Hospital and Federal North Medical Building provide real-time response to patients who disclose domestic violence via a social determinants of health assessment. To date, more than 600 individuals have been referred to the program.

“This critically important work reflects AHN’s commitment to caring for the whole person, providing individuals with the support, resources and tools necessary to begin their path toward safety and healing, and overall improved health and wellbeing,” said Susan Manzi, MD, MPH, chair, AHN Medicine Institute. “On behalf of the Medicine Institute, I congratulate our AHN caregivers and Crisis Center North advocates who are leading this vital program for their well-deserved recognition.”     

Also known as domestic violence or abuse, the CDC defines IPV as abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. Marked by quarantines, social isolation, travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders, the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have brought about another pandemic of IPV. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, global domestic violence cases increased by 25-33 percent in 2020.  

“Victim service providers all across Pennsylvania do hard work every day to support victims of crime, and make a big difference in our communities,” said Governor Tom Wolf in a press release announcing the awardees. “Each year, the Pathfinder Awards recognize victim service professionals who have gone above and beyond, and deserve to be honored for their notable contributions to their communities and the victim service provider field. Thank you to each of our award winners for your dedication to serving victims of crime, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The IPV program team was recently presented with the award at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Office of Victim Services’ Pathways Conference. To view a video detailing the program shared during the awards presentation, click here.

Crisis Center North can be reached 24/7 via their free and confidential hotline at 412-364-5556. Individuals can also text 412-444-7660 to chat confidentially with a counselor. If an individual is at any time in fear for his/her life, dial 911.

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