Domestic violence is a tragic yet all-too-common occurrence that can result in life-long emotional and physical damage. Battered spouses deserve justice, and the state of Maryland offers several resources to help victims of domestic violence begin their healing journey, take action and gain confidence. Here, the compassionate family law attorneys at Rodier Family Law provide an overview of helpful resources for victims of domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

Intimate Partner Violence is a Severe Issue in the United States

Domestic violence, which is often referred to as intimate partner violence, is violent physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse by one partner to another partner. Intimate partner violence affects millions of women and men each year—in Maryland, one in three women and one in four men has experienced some form of serious physical violence by a partner. In the 2017-2018 year, there were 46 deaths in Maryland that were related to domestic violence. In addition, the costs of intimate partner violence are over $5.8 billion every year across the United States. These alarming statistics only scrape the surface of the damage that domestic violence creates in our community and nation.

Victims of Domestic Violence Do Not Always Seek Help

Even though domestic violence is severe and traumatizing, a significant amount of victims do not seek help for their suffering. This is because many victims do not typically feel comfortable discussing their trauma with a third party or opening up about their experience. This is why many health care providers screen their patients to look for signs of domestic violence and abuse in case they are staying silent about their trauma. It is important for victims of domestic violence to have a support system that they can lean on in order to work through their trauma and begin the healing process.

There are Resources Available for Victims of Domestic Violence in Maryland

There are several established resources available for victims of abuse in Maryland. House of Ruth Maryland is one of the country’s most comprehensive domestic violence centers and is a trailblazer in the nationwide fight to end domestic violence. House of Ruth offers a 24-hour confidential hotline for immediate victim support and assistance, and their emergency shelter provides a safe haven for women and children who are in danger. 

An additional resource for battered spouses is the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV), which is a state domestic violence coalition that is working to end intimate partner and family violence. The MNADV offers a broad range of services, resources and training for both victims of domestic violence and concerned individuals who have a passion for helping those impacted by violence.

The Rape and Sexual Assault Prevention Program (RSAPP) offers professional training and education programs to spread awareness about rape and sexual assault and help prevent violence in Maryland. The RSAPP is partnered with a variety of different entities such as the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) and the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Inc. (MCASA) to support rape victims and educate the public about sexual assault prevention. To learn about additional resources for battered spouses, click here.

Consult a Family Law Attorney at Rodier Family Law

At Rodier Family Law, our passionate attorneys stand by victims of domestic violence and abuse and help them seek justice and the recovery that they deserve. These Maryland resources, in addition to several other resources available in the state and nation, aim to spread awareness about the impacts of domestic violence and how we, as a community, can prevent it. If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, it is imperative to seek help from a trusted resource and speak to a compassionate family law attorney at Rodier Family Law who can provide you trusted legal counsel.