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Email: LAgeneralPIO@dhs.lacounty.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(September 9, 2025)
LA General and East Los Angeles Women’s Center Host “Bridging the Gap” Screening and Panel to Strengthen Domestic Violence Response
Los Angeles, CA –Today, Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA General) and the East Los Angeles Women’s Center (ELAWC) hosted a special screening of “Bridging the Gap,” a new training video designed to empower medical staff and providers to identify and respond to domestic violence. The event brought together staff, clinicians, and community leaders. Following the screening, a panel of experts led an interactive discussion on best practices for recognizing the signs of domestic violence and connecting survivors with comprehensive care.
"Every day, our staff encounter patients whose lives have been shaped by intimate partner violence and trauma. 'Bridging the Gap' gives our teams the tools to act decisively, provide compassionate care, and connect survivors to the resources and options they need to get them on the path to safety and healing," said Jorge Orozco, CEO of LA General Medical Center. "This collaboration represents a first-of-its-kind model in the nation, turning our mission—world-class care and education for all—into real, life-changing outcomes in our community."
Produced in partnership with ELAWC, the Bridging the Gap video provides practical guidance from providers on responding to disclosures of domestic violence at the bedside. It complements LA General’s unique model of crisis intervention, rapid-response services, and partnerships with organizations like the Family Justice Center — the only model of its kind in the United States.
"Domestic violence is a critical public-health issue, and healthcare providers play a vital role in supporting survivors," said Rebeca Melendes, Director of Services ELAWC. "Through this collaboration, we ensure survivors receive trauma-informed care and the resources they need to begin healing."
The event reflects LA General’s ongoing commitment to education and community health, offering residents, fellows, and staff real-world training that improves patient outcomes while advancing broader public health goals.
About Los Angeles General Medical Center
Los Angeles General Medical Center is a 600 bed, Level One Trauma Center operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services (DHS). A Magnet®-designated hospital in affiliation with the University of Southern California (USC) and the College of Nursing, LA General is a leader in trauma and specialty care, delivering cutting-edge treatment through its world-class Burn Center, Level III Neonatal ICU, and comprehensive pediatric and psychiatric emergency services. The hospital combines clinical excellence, innovation, and education to set the standard for advanced healthcare across Southern California.
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