LAKELAND - Communities in the Lakeland are among the list of shelters across the province that have had special response teams created to help people experiencing domestic violence.
The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is now available in 23 additional Alberta communities, including St. Paul and Bonnyville. DART provides around-the-clock access to specialized services and support. The first response team was originally launched at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre in 2017.
Last week, Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced that over the past year, 23 more communities will benefit from DART, including Bonnyville, St. Paul and Two Hills.
A $2.6 million grand from the Government of Alberta aims to expand family violence services for rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
An increase in domestic violence incidents has been noted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people were forced to isolate. Just six months after the first public health measures were put in place, statistics from local RCMP detachments were showing the disturbing trend.
DART services can be requested at AHS and Covenant Health emergency departments, urgent care centres and some maternity wards.
When asked for specific statistics, AHS responded saying, "Since DART has expanded, AHS has supported a total of over 50 clients across all sites. Once a referral is initiated, responders assess each patient’s individual needs and provide crisis support, education, safety planning, safe accommodations, information about local resources, and connection to follow-up services."
The Capella Centre confirmed it has been running the DART program since April 15. The St. Paul-based women's shelter helps support the St. Paul hospital, Bonnyville hospital and Two Hills hospital.
According to AHS, healthcare providers proactively screen patients for domestic violence, offering DART services regardless of the patient's primary medical or mental health needs.
“We know domestic violence impacts a person’s health and it isn’t always physical. Domestic violence can take many forms, including mental, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse,” says Dr. Nicholas Mitchell, Provincial Medical Director Addiction and Mental Health. “Through the Domestic Abuse Response Team, we are able to help people and connect them to services immediately.”
Plans to further expand DART are also in the works.
“By offering immediate support to our patients and educating our staff on domestic violence, we hope to connect people experiencing domestic violence with the help they need,” says Mitchell.
DART can help people access specialized risk assessment, crisis intervention, emotional support, education, safety planning, safe accommodations, information about local resources, and connection to follow-up services, according to AHS.
While many Albertans have started to regain some forms of normalcy, "it doesn’t mean life will just go back to normal for many," says Mitchell. "Now, more than ever, we need to make sure people are aware of supports in place, where to get help and how to help others.”
November is Family Violence Prevention month and a number of resources are available for people who are being affected by family violence. AHS would like to remind Albertans that they do not have to be in a crisis to access supports.
Check for local resources in any area by calling Health Link at 811.
