KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) In order to support survivors of violence, Cheshire Medical Center has appointed a registered nurse as its first on-site compassionate care advocate. The initiative, which launches this April in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, aims to bridge critical gaps in advocacy and crisis intervention—both for patients and staff.

While officially employed by the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP), her full-time presence on Cheshire’s campus marks a turning point in local survivor care.

While officially employed by the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP), her full-time presence on Cheshire’s campus marks a turning point in local survivor care.

Elizabeth (MCVP advocates only provide their first names to ensure privacy/safety) is a familiar face within the hospital’s nursing float pool since 2021 and will now serve as a key figure on the Medical Forensic Care team.

“This is about meeting people where they are—in their most vulnerable moments—and making sure they’re not alone,” said Lindsey Cushing, APRN, director of Medical Forensic Care.

The new role was funded by a federal domestic violence grant awarded last fall and is designed to enhance support for individuals impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse.

Beyond responding to emergency cases, she will provide consultations throughout the hospital, help launch a survivor support group and facilitate educational trainings for staff and community partners.