The Women’s Safe House (TWSH) and Affinia Healthcare have entered a partnership to provide healthcare services to survivors of domestic violence through a new offering, The Health and DV Program.

Survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, and stalking seeking help from TWSH will now receive primary and preventative healthcare services through this partnership.

“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, Community Health. “Often, they are starting over and support for their physical and mental well-being makes for a strong foundation. We are honored to provide these services at this critical point in their lives to help survivors rebuild and move forward.”

The Health and DV Program is designed to support underserved members of the community who have experienced trauma due to domestic violence and related forms of abuse. Affinia Healthcare will accept referrals from TWSH for primary and secondary survivors (women and children) and deliver medical, dental, psychological and other services within 24-48 hours of the referral. Affinia Healthcare will also provide transportation for survivors (when available or necessary) and offer on-site health education.

     TWSH also agrees to provide comprehensive support services – including safety planning and advocacy – to all individuals referred by or connected to Affinia Healthcare due to DV-related concerns.

TWSH also agrees to provide comprehensive support services to all individuals referred by or connected to Affinia Healthcare due to domestic abuse-related concerns. These services include — but are not limited to — crisis intervention hotline, safety planning, advocacy, emergency shelter, case management, counseling, legal aid, housing assistance, and 12 months of aftercare.

Also a part of the agreement is for staff from both organizations to participate in ongoing training focused on identifying and responding to domestic violence.

“While some effects of DV are immediately visible – like bruises or broken bones – others may not surface until later,” said Aja Buie, TWSH Director of Residential Services. “Conditions like gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, and other chronic illnesses are often overlooked, yet may stem directly from abuse. Through this program, TWSH and Affinia aim to remove systemic barriers to care for those traditionally underserved by the healthcare system.”

The partnership began in June 2025 and will run for a year, with an option to renew after June 2026.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with a domestic abuse situation, please call the TWSH hotline, 314-772-4535.