Dr. Shawnna Ogden, a family medicine physician at University Medical Center, and Suzanne Henson, a registered dietitian at UMC, were guest speakers at the 6th Annual Purple Purse Luncheon and Conference Oct. 29 at the University Club in Tuscaloosa.
The three-hour event was hosted by the Coley Agency, a Tuscaloosa insurance company, to raise awareness about domestic violence. Speakers shared their expertise and resources, and survivors shared their personal stories.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. Domestic violence can include physical or sexual violence, financial abuse, stalking and mental aggression.
The National Institutes of Health reports that more than 10 million people annually in the United States have suffered physical or financial abuse from an intimate partner. One in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner violence at some point in their lives.
In her presentation, “Women’s Health,” Ogden provided information about UMC’s Women’s Wellness Clinic, which provides mental health services that address the physical, social and emotional challenges resulting from pregnancy and childbirth, including post-partum depression and anxiety, miscarriage, stillbirth and traumatic childbirth.
“During the clinic’s first year, in 2022, we had at least 12 patients report domestic violence by a current or past partner,” said Ogden. “After that, about once a month, we have at least one patient that has exposure to domestic violence. At the Wellness Clinic, our staff works to bring awareness about these issues and provides resources as much as possible.”
She said that women 18-30 years of age are among those that experience domestic violence and are at a critical age where taking care of their health is important. “The one way to keep up a healthy lifestyle is to establish care with a primary care physician. We want you to be able to trust your physician to talk about difficult topics,” Ogden said.
She added: “When you’re coming to see us, we want to know your previous health history and do screenings to check for blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.”
Ogden said having a good lifestyle involves eating healthier, getting enough exercise and having a good sleep routine.
Henson’s presentation, “Giving Yourself Grace in Difficult Times,” included her experience surviving domestic abuse.
“There’s no time limit and no age limit on domestic violence,” Henson said. “Domestic violence is psychological and emotional and can happen to anybody. You don’t think it’s abuse at the time. Fortunately, mine was short-lived because I have a great support group, and I will forever be grateful.”
She said her journey through domestic violence has allowed her to recognize trauma and, as a dietitian, she can work one-on-one with people to really care for themselves through this process and refer them to the right resources.
Henson added: “If you see someone going through domestic abuse, reach out and express concern.”