Courtesy photo.
New resources help make the connection between health and relationships
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — RISE is proud to announce the launch of its latest public awareness campaign focused on the relationship between health and experiences of sexual assault/abuse and intimate partner violence.
“Traditionally at RISE, we focus on the mental and emotional health of our clients and the physical safety afforded by our emergency shelters,” said Jane Pomeroy, Associate Director. “We are excited to partner with local healthcare providers to address the underlying physical health problems associated with gender-based violence and to connect patients with needed community resources. This is a public health issue, and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships in the healthcare field.”
In addition to a billboard at the corner of Monterey and Pepper Streets in San Luis Obispo, RISE has launched two resource webpages on RISEslo.org/health designed for survivors and healthcare providers. Visitors to the pages can learn about how their relationship can affect their health, how to talk to healthcare providers about their relationship, what to expect during an appointment, and available resources and options. Healthcare providers can learn how to screen for gender-based violence, how to refer patients to needed community resources, and what to do when they’re unsure how to respond.
RISE advocates are available 24 hours a day on the RISE support line 855-886-RISE (7473) and are ready to respond by phone and in-person to hospitals and doctors’ offices to support patients and healthcare providers and answer questions associated with discussing gender-based violence in healthcare settings.
ABOUT RISE: RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (formerly SARP Center and North County Women’s Shelter) whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families, and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing, and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour support line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two emergency shelters, individual and group counseling, and prevention education.