A groundbreaking partnership offering hope and healing to domestic violence survivors in St. Louis.
Healing from domestic violence is a multifaceted journey that requires more than just physical safety; survivors need comprehensive support to rebuild their lives. Recognizing this, The Women’s Safe House (TWSH) and Affinia Healthcare have joined forces to launch the Health and DV Program. Designed as a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and related traumas, this partnership delivers integrated healthcare and advocacy services to help survivors recover and thrive.
Here’s a closer look at what this groundbreaking partnership seeks to achieve, the services it provides, and the profound impact it is poised to have on the St. Louis community.
The Vision Behind the Partnership
Survivors of domestic violence often face systemic barriers when accessing healthcare, which can exacerbate the hidden effects of trauma. Physical harm such as injuries and chronic conditions may coexist with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, these needs frequently go unmet due to a lack of resources or accessible facilities.
Affinia Healthcare and TWSH aim to change this narrative. By combining Affinia Healthcare’s expertise in affordable, high-quality medical care with TWSH’s comprehensive support systems for survivors, the Health and DV Program strives to remove obstacles standing between survivors and the help they need.
“Survivors who have broken free from a traumatic environment need a wide range of supports to help them recover and move to the next chapter of their lives,” said Candace Henderson, Director of Community Health at Affinia Healthcare. “Often, they are starting over, and support for their physical and mental well-being makes for a strong foundation.”
The overarching goal is clear—empower survivors to reclaim their lives by aligning health services with survivor advocacy, all while fostering dignity and hope.
Key Features of the Health and DV Program
The Health and DV Program is carefully structured to address the immediate and long-term needs of survivors. Below are the core components of the program.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services
Through this partnership, Affinia Healthcare will provide a range of primary and preventative healthcare services to domestic violence survivors, ensuring they receive timely medical attention. The services include:
Medical and dental care: Essential for treating injuries and managing chronic conditions.
Psychological counseling: Addressing the emotional and mental health wounds caused by trauma.
Health education: Empowering survivors with information to take control of their health.
Survivors receive these services within 24 to 48 hours of being referred, minimizing delays in critical care. Additionally, transportation services may be arranged to ensure access to appointments, eliminating logistical challenges that could hinder recovery.
Advocacy and Support Services
TWSH provides wraparound advocacy services to all individuals referred by Affinia Healthcare. These services include:
Crisis intervention through a dedicated hotline.
Safety planning, offering personalized steps to maintain the survivor’s security.
Emergency shelter for those who need immediate refuge.
Case management to guide survivors through their recovery process.
Housing assistance to help families transition into safe, stable environments.
Legal aid, counseling, and a full year of aftercare support for survivors and their families.
By addressing both immediate and long-term concerns, TWSH ensures that survivors receive the holistic support they need to begin anew.
Collaborative Training Programs
Understanding and responding to the complex needs of domestic violence survivors requires specialized training. Staff from both Affinia Healthcare and TWSH are undergoing ongoing education to better identify signs of abuse, recognize the subtle, long-term effects of trauma, and respond with sensitivity.
“Conditions like gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, and other chronic illnesses are often overlooked, yet may stem directly from abuse,” noted Aja Buie, TWSH Director of Residential Services. Through this training, both organizations are equipping themselves to provide care tailored specifically to survivors.
Breaking Down Barriers for Underserved Communities
The Health and DV Program is focused on serving populations that historically face the most obstacles in accessing quality healthcare. More than 90% of Affinia Healthcare’s patients live below the federal poverty line, and many experience housing insecurity. This partnership extends a lifeline to individuals and families who might otherwise be unable to afford or access critical services.
The program emphasizes cultural competence and inclusivity, ensuring that Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latinx communities receive care that is respectful and relevant to their unique needs. By prioritizing underserved groups, the partnership addresses health inequities head-on, bringing vital resources to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Building a Stronger Future Together
Ultimately, the Health and DV Program serves as more than a stopgap measure; it is a beacon of hope for the St. Louis community. By working together, TWSH and Affinia Healthcare are removing systemic barriers and creating a stronger, healthier environment for survivors to rebuild their lives.
The partnership, which officially began in June 2025, has a one-year term with an option to renew beyond June 2026. However, the potential impact of this collaboration will undoubtedly last far longer—empowering survivors, uplifting their families, and fostering a more resilient community.
If you or someone you know needs help escaping domestic violence, please call The Women’s Safe House hotline at 314-772-4535. Support is just one call away.
