March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 46 F

Resources: Domestic Violence And Other Forms Of Bullying And Abuse

In support of the efforts of Governor Martin O’Malley to reduce domestic violence and related incidents of abuse, Maryland State Police are reminding citizens of resources available to them as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“No one should have to suffer abuse, whether that abuse is at the hands of a spouse, partner, parent, guardian, or bully,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown said. “Police at the local and state levels are trained and ready to take the appropriate criminal investigative and enforcement action needed in these situations. We are also able to connect you with the citizen support networks that are staffed with qualified and caring individuals who have been where you are and understand your fears and concerns. There is no need to suffer in silence. There is help available to end the cycle of violence you may be in and bring the appropriate person to justice.”

State troopers have made 346 arrests so far this year during the investigation of domestic violence cases. Troopers have also removed 77 firearms from homes where domestic violence has occurred.

Maryland State Police troopers are trained to use the Lethality Screen, developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, when responding to a domestic abuse call. This screening process asks specific questions that help gauge the potential for lethal violence in that situation. Troopers can use that screening assessment to help develop the appropriate response to the situation, which can include the trooper making a call directing to a domestic violence hotline counselor and doing everything possible to engage the victim with the counselor.

Troopers are also trained to provide information to victims regarding the services available to support them. These services range from counseling to help them cope, to shelters to help protect them. Troopers are also trained to instruct victims on how to obtain protective orders.

State Police barracks that most often respond to reports of domestic violence have assigned a specific investigator to follow up on all cases. Those investigators review all domestic violence reports and coordinate with the local domestic violence crisis worker through Family and Children’s Services. Investigators assist with protective or peace orders and follow up to take photographs a day or two after the injury, when they are more evident. They coordinate with the domestic violence liaison in the local state’s attorney’s office and conduct additional interviews or investigation if necessary.

Persons who are being physically or sexually assaulted are encouraged to contact their local police or the state police barrack in their county. Those who would prefer to talk first with someone other than a police officer can call a variety of service agencies for help and advice. Listed below are agencies that provide assistance to those involved in domestic abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, or bullying situations.

Domestic Violence

House of Ruth
www.hruth.org
• House of Ruth’s 24-hour Hotline: (410) 889-RUTH (7884)
• House of Ruth’s Community Advocates: (410)261-3016
• Spanish Language Line: (410) 554-8480
• Toll-Free Legal Hotline: 1-888-880-7884

Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
www.mnadv.org
• 1-800-MD-HELPS or (30) 352-4574
Email: [email protected]

Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
www.mcasa.org
(410) 974-4507

Maryland Safe at Home
http://www.sos.state.md.us/ACP/SafeAtHome.aspx

The Women’s Law Center of Maryland
www.wlcmd.org/domesticviolence.html

Suicide Prevention

Maryland Statewide Crisis Hotline/Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-422-0009

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Commission on Suicide Prevention
(410) 402-8490
www.dhmh.maryland.gov/suicideprevention

Maryland Suicide Hotlines
www.suicide.org/hotlines/maryland-suicide-hotlines.html

Mental Health Association of Maryland
www.mhamd.org

Bullying Resources

Maryland State Department of Education
• Dominic Romano, Education Program Specialist
(410) 767-0301

Maryland Bullying Prevention Initiative
1-800-257-7810

Children’s Mental Health Matters!
www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org

Child Protective Services/Child Abuse
Allegany County
(301) 784-7050

Anne Arundel County
• (410) 421-8400 (24 hours)

Baltimore City
• (410) 361-2235 (24 hours)

Baltimore County
(410) 853-3000 (Option 1)
• After hours: (410) 583-9398

Calvert County
(443) 550-6900
• After hours: (Toll Free: 1-800-787-9428)

Caroline County
• (410) 819-4500
• After hours: (410) 479-2515 Sheriff’s Office.

Carroll County
• (410) 386-3434 (24 Hours)

Cecil County
• (410) 996-0100 (Option 3)
• After hours: (410) 996-5350

Charles County
• (301) 392-6739
• After hours: (301) 932-2222

Dorchester County
• (410) 901-4100
• After hours: (410) 221-3246

Frederick County
• (301) 600-2464
• After hours: (301) 600-2100 Police Dept.

Garrett County
• (301) 533-3005
• After hours: (301) 334-1930 Sheriff’s Office

Harford County
• (410) 836-4713
• After hours: (410) 838-6600 Sheriff’s Office

Howard County
• Tel: (410) 872-4203
• After hours: (410) 313-2929 Police Dept.

Kent County
• Tel: (410) 810-7600
• After hours: (410) 758-1101 State Police

Montgomery County
• Tel: (240) 777-4417 (24 hours)

Prince George’s County
• Tel: (301) 909-2450
• After hours: (301) 699-8605

Queen Anne’s County
• Tel: (410) 758-8000 (all hours)
• After hours: (410) 758-0770 Sheriff’s Office

St. Mary’s County
• Tel: (240) 895-7016
• After hours: (301) 475-8016

Somerset County
• Tel: (410) 677-4200
• After hours: (410) 651-9225 Sheriff’s Office Central, Emergency Services

Talbot County
• Tel: (410) 770-4848 (option#1)
• After hours: (410) 822-3101 MD State Police

Washington County
• Tel: (240) 420-2222 (24 hours)

Wicomico County
• Tel: (410) 713-3900 (option#1)
• After hours: (410) 548-4891

Worcester County
• Tel: (410) 677-6800
• After hours: (410) 632-1111 (option#2) Sheriff’s Office

Elder Abuse
Neglect and Abuse Hotline
• 1-800-917-7383

Previous Article

Police Release Statement, Identify Victim On Brooklyn Park Homicide

Next Article

Annapolis Yacht Club’s Executive Chef Receives Certified Executive Chef Award

You might be interested in …