Project Connect
Project Connect and Project Connect 2.0 were violence-prevention and response initiatives that focused on strengthening collaborations between the public health and domestic violence fields in 2011-2014. As one of the only programs of its kind in the nation, this project trained over 7,000 health care providers to assess for and respond to domestic and sexual violence in over 80 clinical settings serving over 400,000 patients.
Studies demonstrate that collaborative programs like Project Connect can improve the health and safety of women, decreasing the risks for unplanned pregnancy, poor health outcomes, and further abuse. Effective health care responses to domestic and sexual violence can make a lasting impact on those affected by violence.
As the technical assistance provider, FUTURES provided support and oversight for 11 program grantees–including American Indian/Alaska Native tribal health programs, state public health departments, home visitation programs, and domestic violence coalitions. Selected through a competitive application process, Project Connect grantees provided much-needed services for women in abusive relationships.
FUTURES facilitated the Project Connect learning community, developed all program and training materials, and worked closely with the evaluation team at University of Pittsburgh to measure the impact of the program.
Project Connect ws supported by the Office on Women’s Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and funded through the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005.
Project Connect Grantees:
- Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Idaho Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
- Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians (Michigan)
- Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women
- Nooksack Tribal Health Clinic (Washington)
- Oregon Health Authority
- Passamaquoddy Peaceful Relations (Maine)
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- The Queen’s Medical Center (Hawaii)
- Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California (Nevada)
