KAYSVILLE -- Just days away from becoming president of the American Medical Association, Utah's Dr. John C. Nelson appeared at the opening of Kaysville's Safe Harbors Transitional Housing center to speak out against domestic violence.
Nelson, a Salt Lake City OB/GYN and Master of Public Health, said that though many might find it strange for a physician to be involved in domestic violence issues, their position as a person of trust places them in a unique position to help before it's too late.
"When I was in residency," Nelson said, "the number one killer of women was a disease called eclampsia, which caused high blood pressure and seizures. Now, in 2004, it's domestic violence."
According to a Gallup poll that Nelson referenced, 80 percent of victims would prefer to tell their physician only.
"That makes us a portal to safety for these victims."
He related a situation where a patient had brought her five kids (with one on the way) to the office with her.
"She kept apologizing for bringing her kids. She apologized three times."
Nelson said that after moving on to another patient, he realized there was probably a problem.
He excused himself from the second patient and confronted the first. She eventually confided serious domestic abuse and was able to get help.
Jackie Hathaway, Safe Harbor Transitional Housing manager explained that the Kaysville shelter and transitional housing gets heavy use, showing that not all is well in Davis County.
"In 2003 we took more than 2,500 crisis calls," she said. "And we provided shelter for 710 women, men and children for a total of 5,959 days of shelter."
The transitional housing allows victims to bring their children and stay for up to two years. The lock-down facility has ten fully furnished rooms. Individuals must have a security clearance card to enter the building.
"It's designed to help them become self-sufficient, to help them feel secure," Hathaway said. "That way they can focus on education, on being self-sufficient and learn the skills necessary to stay out of any future violent relationship."
"It helps them get out of the situation."
At the facility's ribbon cutting Hathaway praised Nelson's assistance and his support.
"You know, I'm not sure how we got him," Hathaway said of Nelson, "but all I know is that when we called to see if he'd be available, he graciously accepted."
Hathaway said that the shelter always accepts donations. Those wanting to help can either mail donations to the Safe Harbor Crisis Shelter at P.O. Box 772, Kaysville UT 84037. For more information on the shelter, donations, volunteering or services, call 444-3191.