Sojourner Center’s Director of Advocacy and Training, Devin DeFendis, recently presented at the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association’s 45th Annual Fall Seminar. She delivered a virtual lecture on recognizing signs of domestic violence and understanding patient resources across Arizona. The lecture covered an overview of intimate partner violence (IPV), its health impacts, how IPV may present in medical settings, how to respond when a patient discloses abuse, and how to provide trauma-informed support, along with resources available to survivors.
This information is critically important for physicians, as survivors of IPV often interact with healthcare providers long before seeking help from advocacy organizations or other support systems. Medical professionals are in a unique position to recognize warning signs, respond with compassion, and connect patients to resources that can support their safety and healing. A trauma-informed approach helps ensure patients feel believed, respected, and supported, which can significantly influence whether they seek continued care or additional help.
Sojourner Center is honored to provide education like this to the medical community and to be a trusted resource for professionals working with survivors. Addressing domestic violence requires collaboration across sectors, and healthcare providers are essential partners in this work. Through opportunities like this seminar, we remain committed to equipping the community with knowledge, tools, and resources that help create safer outcomes for survivors across Arizona.
Is your workplace or community looking to learn more about domestic violence and how to support survivors? Reach out to us today at info@sojournercenter.org to explore educational opportunities.
Read More: