Providence funds business toolkit to help address domestic violence crisis in Spokane 

In April 2019, beloved Providence caregiver Patty Hernandez was killed by her boyfriend. One in three women and one in 10 men in Spokane County experience domestic violence, and it is the leading cause of homicide in the county. 

Domestic violence and family safety are priorities in the Providence Community Health and Needs Assessments.

Providence invested $250,000 in the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition over two years from Providence’s Community Benefit Fund so they could create a domestic violence toolkit for businesses and organizations. 

Released in May 2023, the toolkit is a free online resource with written and video lessons. It teaches people how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and provides guidance to managers on starting conversations with employees they're worried about. Additionally, the toolkit offers a workplace policy section for senior leaders or human resources to implement clear policies and provide direction. 

“We’re hoping this toolkit will help businesses, employers and employees feel more comfortable with reaching out and have real time on the ground ideas on how to respond to domestic violence,” said Taffy Hunter, Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition outreach and education coordinator. 

A tribute to Patty, her legacy lives on through the toolkit, which can be accessed at EndTheViolenceSpokane.org.