It is difficult to be put in a position of confronting injustice. We often feel challenged to take an action we know is right, but hesitate because the repercussions are out of our control.

(Left to right: Patty Hall, Bonnie Price, Sara Jennings)

Patty Hall, a volunteer with the Regional Hospital Accompaniment Response Team (RHART) since November 2009, and the Forensic Nursing Team at St. Mary’s Hospital face the after effects of domestic, sexual or interpersonal violence every day.

“It’s not like on TV. Exams can take two to four hours, not including paperwork,” said Bonnie Price, Clinical Coordinator of the Forensic Nursing Program. “The amount of time takes a toll on patients, which is why RHART volunteers like Patty, make a real difference.”

Known for her compassion and selflessness, Patty is a true testament to the phrase good help to those in need. Bonnie describes an instance where Patty reached across traditional volunteerism boundaries to help console a patient.

“It is late in the evening and the pager goes off. The St. Mary’s Hospital ED is calling about a patient brought in by police and a forensic exam is being requested. The patient has no family or friends at the hospital with her. The next call I make is to the Regional Hospital Accompaniment Response Team (RHART) Hotline. RHART is a team of specially trained volunteers, who provide emotional support for patients who have been a victim of sexual and/or domestic violence. Moments after arriving at the emergency department, Patty Hall walks in. Patty, a Bon Secours RHART Volunteer, immediately began to put the patient at ease with her soft, calming voice and her cheerful yet sympathetic smile. Patty stayed with the patient for hours, while the forensic exam was completed. Upon completion of the exam, the patient was asked by police to return to what was believed to be the scene of the crime with them, in order to confirm the location and in hopes of finding additional evidence. Without a moment’s hesitation, Patty offered to go with the patient; an offer which the patient quickly and gratefully accepted. Patty’s selfless act made a difference in the life of our patient. At Bon Secours, not only is our staff World Class but also our volunteers!”

When asked why the RHART volunteers and Forensic Nurses do what they do, Sara Jennings, a Forensic Nurse Examiner, replied, “It’s a wonderful rewarding job. Being able to help and seeing the effect on the patient makes all the difference.”

RHART is a collaboration between Bon Secours, Hanover Safe Place, Safe Harbor, and the YWCA of Richmond. Trained RHART volunteers are called in by Bon Secours Richmond Health System hospitals to provide accompaniment during forensic or medical exams. RHART volunteers provide supportive counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, resources and referral information. They also connect patients to additional domestic and sexual violence follow-up services, including counseling, court advocacy and emergency shelter.