Ambassadors for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

Ranin Muqabel | Sawsan Toma Shokhha

The English Hospital in Nazareth (EMMS)

Project goal:

Transforming Nazareth Hospital into an institution that detects, intervenes, and refers cases of domestic and intimate partner violence, through staff training and strengthening the ties between the hospital and care providers in the community.

Project description:

Domestic violence is a complex phenomenon that crosses sectors and communities. The healthcare system, and hospitals in particular, are in a unique position to detect and refer cases that may otherwise be overlooked. The "Ambassadors for the Prevention of Domestic Violence" project is designed to change this reality, and to transform Nazareth Hospital into an active body in identifying, treating, and referring women to the relevant community agencies.

The project focuses primarily on teams - doctors, nurses, social workers and administrators, and provides them with knowledge, tools and procedures that will allow them to operate in a sensitive, safe and effective manner. The program includes an initial mapping and assessment phase, intensive training of selected teams, a pilot in three departments, development of protocols and connections with entities such as "Women Against Violence", centers for prevention of domestic violence, the "Red Lines" initiative and local welfare services.

The entire hospital is expected to adopt new work processes, hold regular meetings, and establish an institutional culture of awareness, dialogue, and action in situations of violence. An evaluation study accompanies the project, with the aim of measuring changes in perceptions and staff capabilities, and making the model accessible to other institutions.

The vision is to create an integrative model of a hospital that works not only for physical healing, but also for the protection, prevention, and strengthening of women's safety. The success of the project is expected to form the basis for nationwide expansion in additional hospitals.