This safety card was designed for health settings serving Native communities including IHS clinics, Tribal health centers, and Urban Indian Health Centers.
The card prompts patients to ask themselves whether they are in a healthy relationship or if they have experienced reproductive coercion—forced sex, birth control sabotage, forced pregnancy, or violence—by an intimate partner.
The card is designed to help women recognize how their intimate relationships may impact their reproductive health, while providing information for safety planning and referral. Basic information about sexual and reproductive health is also included, as well as information on how to help a friend or family member who may be experiencing abuse.
The backside of the card refers patients to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Assault Hotline for further support, and a space to write the name and phone number of a local advocacy program. This tool is most effective when using a universal education approach, providing all patients with 2 copies of the card for themselves and a friend.
The hard copy version of the card is double-sided and measures 3.5″ x 8″, folded down to 3.5″ x 2″ to fit into a wallet or shoe insert.
Are you looking for culturally-appropriate help for American Indian and Native American communities? StrongHearts is a culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential service dedicated to serving Native American survivors of domestic violence and concerned family members and friends. By dialing 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483), from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST, seven days a week, callers can connect at no cost one-on-one with knowledgeable StrongHearts advocates who can provide lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable survivors to find safety and live lives free of abuse.
Interested in localizing this resource for your community?
Follow this link for more information.