Ending the Cycle of Violence
By Nadine James-Ward, Manager of Corporate Citizenship at Blue Shield of California
SAN FRANCISCO -- In the United States, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men have experienced violence from intimate partners, according to a survey from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Though it's an issue most people are not comfortable discussing out in the open, domestic violence is much more than a private issue; it is a matter of public health that affects the entire community.
In addition to physical injury, domestic violence and sexual assault can lead to depression, sleep disorders, anxiety and post-traumatic stress – all health concerns that require the support of our healthcare system. Additionally, children who witness domestic violence have a higher risk of substance abuse, lung disease, heart disease and obesity, as well as a variety of other chronic conditions as adults.
As a health plan, we believe we are responsible to not only ensure that individuals can access quality care when they need it, but also to look at the factors that bring them to shelters and health centers in the first place.
Through its partnership with the parent company, Blue Shield of California Foundation is the state's largest private funder of domestic violence services and prevention. Since 2003, the Foundation has provided funding for every shelter in the state to ensure that essential services are available to those in need. Last year, the Foundation invested more than $13 million in domestic violence service providers in California. The grants have helped spur innovative solutions and partnerships that help stop domestic violence and sexual assault before it starts.
In 2015, Blue Shield of California launched an internal campaign, providing employees with a safe forum for discussion and support. As a result, more than 3,000 Blue Shield employees took the "No More" pledge. Many also took advantage of the company's 2-to-1 match for donations made to domestic violence nonprofit organizations. The company also launched a workplace domestic violence policy, supporting affected employees and training managers to recognize and support employees who may be experiencing violence at home.
Blue Shield will continue to invest in solutions that ensure individuals have access to care when they need it. And, we encourage more companies to get involved in this cause so that survivors of domestic violence can get the resources they need to take care of themselves and their family.
We can end the cycle of violence – but only if we work together.
To learn more about what you can do to help break the cycle of violence, visit National Domestic Violence Hotline.
