The Domestic Abuse Response Team program has been expanded to emergency departments in Grande Prairie, Valleyview and Fox Creek (Photo: Shaun Penner / EverythingGP staff)

By Shaun Penner

DART

Program expands to Peace Region hospitals to help those victimized by domestic violence

Nov 8, 2021 | 12:10 PM

A program focused on connecting patients with supports and services related to domestic violence is being expanded by Alberta Health Services to emergency rooms in Grande Prairie, Valleyview and Fox Creek.

The Domestic Abuse Response Team, or DART, will connect patients who request their services to needed services and supports in the community.

Provincial Medical Director of Mental Health and Addictions Dr. Nicholas Mitchell says will healthcare providers will proactively screen patients for domestic violence and, on identification of concerns, offer DART services regardless of the patient’s primary medical or mental health needs.

“The DART team is composed of people who have experience in this area, who have knowledge in dealing with individuals who have suffered from trauma, and they can help direct folks to specialized services,” said Mitchell.

“They provide crisis interventions, and then ongoing emotional support, education, safety planning. Sometimes even things like (arranging) people (for) alternate, safe accommodations.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The DART program launched as a pilot project at the Red Deer Regional Hospital in 2017 and has now expanded to 23 communities across Alberta, thanks in part to a $2.6 million grant from the province.

Mitchell suggests it is vital the program be expanded to as many parts of the province as possible.

“Every community is Alberta has its own suite of services that are available and knowing what those local resources are is so important.”

Since its inception four years ago, Mitchell says the demand for the program’s services has continually increased.

He suggests the COVID-19 pandemic has played a large role in that increase, among other factors.

“As well with awareness. I think that when a program like this first starts and people aren’t as aware that it exists, even folks within the healthcare system, need time to learn that the resource is there,” said Mitchell.

“Over time, our referral volume has increased because people are more aware that it’s present.”

Mitchell adds domestic violence can take many forms, including mental, emotional, physical, verbal and sexual abuse.

“Through the Domestic Abuse Response Team, we are able to help people and connect them to services immediately.”

Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, or believes they know someone who is a victim, is reminded that help is available.

Some of the resources available in Grande Prairie include:

• Odyssey House – main office 780-538-1332, 24-Hour Crisis Line 780-532-2672
• Grande Prairie and District Victim Services – 780-830-5755
• PACE – 780-539-6692
• The Caribou Child and Youth Centre – 780-814-7223
• John Howard Society of Grande Prairie – 780-532-0373
• Grande Prairie RCMP – 780-830-5700
• Family Violence Info Line – 310-1818
• Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence – 1-866-403-8000