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The Best Domestic Violence Resources In Maryland

The Best Domestic Violence Resources In Maryland

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” Domestic violence is also referred to as intimate partner violence or relationship abuse, and it is more than physical violence. In fact, multiple forms of abuse are often present at the same time in an abusive relationship. Verbal and emotional abuse like threats, insults, constant checking in, excessive texting, humiliation, isolation, and stalking are forms of relationship abuse. Sexual abuse, financial abuse, and digital abuse are other examples. In this article, we will explore resources to support victims of relationship abuse available in the state of Maryland.

Help is Available in Maryland

Western Maryland Health Systems provides care for children, teens, and adults who may have been impacted by relationship abuse. Their services for sexual assault cases include:

Medical screening in the Emergency Department
A private consultation room for interviews
A private room for exams
Medical Forensic evidence collected by trained forensic nurse examiners
Support for you and your family
Assault Response team
Follow up with healthcare referrals and consultations
Expert opinion and testimony

Services for Domestic Violence and Abuse Cases

Crisis intervention
Assessment of your risk of danger to make sure you’re safe
Advocacy
Referral to community services
Thorough examination and documentation of physical evidence completed by a forensic nurse
Expert Opinion and Testimony

No matter where you live in Maryland, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is an excellent resource for you or someone you know who may be experiencing domestic violence. You can reach them by calling 1.800-799-SAFE, texting START to 88788, or visiting their website here.

Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence

MNADV is the state domestic violence coalition that brings together victim service providers, allied professionals, and concerned individuals to reduce intimate partner and family violence. They provide Awareness and Education, Training, Technical Assistance, Public Policy and Systems Advocacy, and many forms of collaboration.

MNDVA works to end domestic violence in Baltimore by:

Maintaining an informational website
Putting together e-newsletters
Spreading educational information across social media
Handing out brochures to the public with resources for victims
Offering domestic violence programs access to a language-interpretation service for survivors who speak languages other than English
Providing national, statewide, and local domestic violence training for advocates, counselors, social workers, health care providers, law enforcement officers, and other professionals to gain knowledge and the skills to help someone who is a victim of domestic violence.

Learn more about MNDVA by visiting their website here.

House of Ruth Maryland

House of Ruth is one of the nation’s leading intimate partner violence centers, helping thousands of battered women and their children find safety and stability. Intimate partner violence can affect anyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or gender.

Through Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy, House of Ruth provides aid to intimate partner violence victims all over Maryland. They provide outreach, education, and training to help with prevention and practice intervention by ensuring victims in danger can receive services and shelter immediately. They also work with the abusers to help them change their behaviors. Lastly, House of Ruth performs advocacy work to help change attitudes and beliefs about intimate partner violence through legislative and social change. House of Ruth’s 24/7 hotline is a confidential resource for victims in need. To learn more about their work, visit their website here.

211 Maryland

If you or someone you know is a victim of intimate partner violence, 211 is an excellent resource for help across the state of Maryland. 211 Connects Marylanders who need support with a domestic violence situation by helping you find the closest and best domestic violence service provider based on your specific needs. They can connect you to hotlines, how to get protective/restraining orders, and shelters for battered men and women, to name a few. Visit their website to read more about their services.

Contact Us Today

Our team at Advanced Behavioral Health knows how lonely and challenging it can be to be a victim of domestic abuse. Thankfully in the state of Maryland, many resources are within reach. If you are looking for treatment, our employees specialize in many therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Psychiatric Treatment, Animal-Assisted Play Therapy, and much more. Visit our services page to learn more.

When you think of the well-being of a child, you first think of basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, however, it’s crucial for a child to have emotional and social wellness as well. In this article, we will explore the impact social wellness has on the overall health of a child and great ways for children to garner social support in their lives.

It comes as no surprise that as human beings, we all need connection with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. In fact, having social support is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that significantly impacts the health of an individual. After spending the last few years in and out of isolation due to the Covid-19 outbreak, social support is more important now than ever before. Having social support means having family members and friends you can talk to and seek advice from when life feels challenging and overwhelming. Knowing you’re not alone in your life journey, especially as a child, creates a sense of belonging and empowerment throughout one’s life.

4 Types of Social Support

Emotional Support. This type of support lets you know that people care about you and have empathy for your experiences. Emotional support often looks like people checking in on you to let you know they’re thinking of you, and that they are there if you need anything. As a parent, make sure your child knows you can be a sounding board for them. If you have family members who can also show up for your children in this way, even better!

Practical Help. This type of support is when people give you something tangible or offer a service to help you out. This could be in the form of money, making food when you are sick, or helping to pack when moving. Having family and friends show up in this way shows your child what it looks like to be present for people you love.

Sharing Points of View. This type of support can often come in the form of affirmations and encouragement. For example, pointing out your child’s strengths to them and reminding them they can do anything they put their mind to. It can also look like sharing another perspective if they are being hard on themselves. For example, if they are angry with themselves after receiving a bad grade on a test, you can help them see it as a learning experience and a way for them to grow.

Sharing Information. This type of support is when someone shares what they’ve learned from their own life experiences. For example, if another parent has a child who struggles with socializing, they can share some tips and tricks they’ve learned to help their child find and create social support.

The Importance of Social Groups and Extended Support

Children who are connected to their family, friends, and people in their community have opportunities to learn how to speak, share, and get along with others. When your child feels connected to people in your neighborhood, it often allows them to feel physically safe which can alleviate stress and worry. Simply riding bikes, going on walks, and saying hello to neighbors with your kids can create this sense of security for them.

In addition to engaging with your neighbors, getting involved in local organizations can also create social support for your child. Signing up for a sports team, musical theater, art class or summer camp are all great ways to help your child meet new friends and learn important social skills that can carry them through their lives.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Community Connections:

Spend time outside in your neighborhood playing on the playground, going to a local farmer’s market, or scheduling a playdate with neighborhood kids.

Show your kids that connection is a two-way street. If your neighbors or friends go out of town, offer to get their mail, or water their plants and take your child with you when you go. This will show your child how you show up for people you care about.

Make sure you make time for socializing with friends as well. Your child looks to you first and foremost for how they should act and live their own life.

Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and do something they may be scared to do. As a parent, it’s your job to push them into something social for their own well-being at times.