Comfort Bears Program Links Hospital, Police During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

BILLINGS — As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, St. Vincent Regional Hospital and the Billings Police Department have forged an innovative partnership to support the youngest victims of domestic violence through the donation of more than 200 comfort bears.

The collaboration comes at a critical time for Montana, where domestic violence cases reached a pandemic peak of 4,775 reported incidents in 2021, according to Montana Board of Crime Control data. Yellowstone County, where Billings is located, reported 1,014 domestic violence cases in 2024 — the highest in the state.

“Donating these stuffed animals goes far beyond the act of giving — it’s an expression of love and resilience for children who need it most,” said Lee Boyles, President of St. Vincent Regional Hospital and Intermountain Health’s Montana | Wyoming Market. “At St. Vincent Regional Hospital, our mission is rooted in serving those who are poor and vulnerable.”

Each specially crafted kit includes a stuffed animal, birth certificate, and handwritten card with messages like “You are strong. You are brave. You are loved.” Hospital leadership personally assembled each DIY “build-a-bear” kit, adding a personal touch to the community outreach effort.

The partnership represents a growing trend of healthcare institutions expanding their role beyond traditional medical care to address broader social issues affecting their communities.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous donation of care kits created by the leadership team at St. Vincent,” said Billings Police Captain Brandon Wooley. “What makes this gift even more special is the personal touch — the encouraging note offers children in crisis not just comfort, but a reminder that they matter and are loved.”

Montana’s Domestic Violence Landscape

The timing of the partnership coincides with concerning trends across Montana. While domestic violence reports surged during the pandemic, the state has seen mixed results in recent years. Some counties have experienced dramatic improvements — Lewis and Clark County dropped from 707 cases in 2016 to 226 in 2024 — while others continue to struggle with rising numbers.

Gallatin County has shown a consistent upward trend since 2022, now reporting 448 cases in 2024. Missoula County, while still significant with 541 cases, has declined from its 2018 peak of 825 incidents.

Montana maintains 35 organizations providing domestic violence services across 23 cities, with emergency services being the most commonly offered category of support statewide.

Healthcare’s Expanding Role

The St. Vincent initiative reflects healthcare’s unique position in addressing domestic violence, as medical professionals often encounter victims before law enforcement becomes involved.

“Hospitals play a vital role in raising awareness about domestic violence because we often see firsthand the physical and emotional impact on victims,” Boyles explained. “By educating the community, supporting prevention efforts, and connecting individuals to resources, our care teams can help break cycles of abuse and promote safety and healing.”

The comfort bear program specifically targets child victims, who research shows are at higher risk of continuing cycles of violence if intervention doesn’t occur. Children exposed to domestic violence often struggle with depression, anxiety, and poor emotional regulation, while witnessing violence between parents or guardians remains the highest indicator for perpetuating the cycle into the next generation.

As Montana continues to grapple with elevated domestic violence rates, the St. Vincent-Billings Police partnership offers a replicable model for other communities statewide. With October serving as a crucial awareness period, officials hope similar healthcare-law enforcement collaborations will expand across Montana’s 35 domestic violence service organizations.

For those experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and Montana-specific resources can be found through the Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence.