Project Connect Idaho

Project Connect continues to expand across Idaho, as many more health and domestic and sexual violence providers see valuable impact through the Project Connect Approach. Public health, school-based, and private sector health providers are offering anticipatory guidance on healthy relationships, screening for relationship abuse and reproductive coercion, and linking supportive referrals for those who disclose abuse and would like support. Individual practices and organizational policies are reflecting a trauma informed approach. Partnerships between community based providers have strengthened. Formal outcome studies indicate results in Idaho that mirror national data: Project Connect improves safety and health outcomes. Why wouldn’t we implement practices and policies that help create brighter futures?
The Connection Between Abusive Relationships & Health
Unhealthy adolescent relationships are associated with risk factors and unsafe health-related behaviors such as having sex earlier, more sexual partners, STIs, unwanted pregnancy, eating disorders, drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Most women who have experienced interpersonal violence report their first abusive relationship experience was in adolescence.
Quotes
- “I cannot stress enough the need for more sensitive and trauma-informed discussions within health care settings, especially considering the fact that I have never had a conversation about healthy relationships with any of my doctors.” – 19 year-old male
- “Project Connect sees the opportunities that exist in what might otherwise seem like routine visits to a healthcare provider. Project Connect sees the potential to create positive experiences of disclosures for adolescents. Project Connect sees my specific needs, and most importantly, they see me.” – 24 year-old female
- “Project Connect training gave us the tools and comfort to do the screening as part of a routine patient encounter. But even more, it’s helped us build bridges of hope and health for our adolescents – even the ones that in the past seemed impossible to reach.” – Health Provider
- “I truly believe that the seeds these cards are planting will create a huge harvest that may grow in cracks and alleys that we will never get to appreciate…..but know they are out there!” – Health Provider
Building Capacity
Capacity is deepening and expanding, with trainers throughout the state, and user friendly tools for providers and organizations. Training, resources, and technical assistance are available on a range of topics, including: provider trainings; integrating health services or health assessments into DV/SA programs; building community partnerships; trauma informed practices; accessibility for marginalized, oppressed populations, and; maintaining organizational capacity to effectively prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence.
Capacity Building Trainings
Project Sites and Partners
Project Sites and Partners
- Family Services Alliance of Southeastern Idaho, Pocatello
- Advocates Against Family Violence, Caldwell
- Nampa Family Justice Center, Nampa
- Women & Children’s Alliance, Boise
- FACES Family Justice Center, Boise
- Futures Without Violence
- Project Connect Idaho State-level Advisory Committee
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Mercedes Muñoz, MPA, Program Manager, Sexual Violence & Adolescent Health & Pregnancy Prevention
- St. Luke’s Health Systems and Director of the American Academy of Pediatrics – Idaho Chapter – Sherry Iverson, RN, Director of Women’s and Children’s Community Education,
- Boise State University, Department of Nursing – Max Veltman, RN, PhD, CPNP, Assistant Professor
- Idaho Department of Education
- Boise State University – Lisa Bostaph, PhD
- State Independent Living Council – Mel Leviton, Director
- Youth Representatives
Find Help
National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 (1-866-331-84 53 TTY), visit www.loveisrespect.org, or chat online from 4pm-12am CST. You can launch the live chat by clicking LIVE CHAT bubble.
Resources
Idaho Coalition Publications
Youth Materials
Parent/Caregiver Materials