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Domestic Violence Center of Howard County, Inc.

The following information is from a publication of the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County, Inc.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence - also called spouse abuse, family violence or battering - is the use of abusive or violent behavior by a partner in a marriage or other intimate relationship in order to exert power and control over the other partner.

What is considered abusive behavior?

There are many forms of abuse:

• Physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or economic abuse as well as threats, intimidation and isolation.
• Physical violence can range from shoving and slapping to assult with a weapon, serious bodily injury and even death.

What is the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County?

The Center is a private, non-profit agency committed to eliminating domestic violence in the county. We provide services regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Our services are completely confidential and all fees are based on ability to pay.

Who are the victims of domestic violence?

The vast majority are women. Domestic violence is the single largest cause of injury to women in this country.

It is a crime that occurs among all races, ages, and religions. It happens to people of all education and income levels. Battering also occurs in same-sex relationships.

Children in violent families are also victims. They are emotionally and often physically hurt too.

Children who are abused or witness abuse are at risk of becoming the next generation of abusers and victims.

What are the warning signs of an abusive relationship?

Does your partner ...

• Criticize your every move?
• Act very jealous and possessive?
• Try to control every aspect of your life?
• Try to isolate you from your family and friends?
• Try to control your finances?
• Threaten to hurt or kill you or your children?
• Become violent, then blame you?

If you are a victim of domestic violence...

• Leave immediately, if possible
• Call the police (911)
• Have the police make a report
• Get medical care if needed
• Have pictures taken of injuries. The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County can do this for you. Call their office at (410) 997-0304.

You have these legal rights:

• The right to press criminal charges. Contact the District Court Commissioner at (410) 461-0231.
• The right to the police report number.
• The right to apply for a Protection Order (called an Ex-Parte) to have your abuser removed from your home and other assistance. The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County's legal department can help you do this. Call their office at (410) 997-0304.

Make a safety plan for escape:

Pack a bag and keep it at a neighbor's house or other safe place. The bag should contain:

• A change of clothing for you and your children
• Important documents, e.g.:
  • birth certificates
  • passports
  • green card
  • social security numbers
  • health insurance and medical records
  • bank account numbers
• Extra cash and checks
• Extra set of keys to your house and car
• Paystub from your abuser's paycheck
• Familiar book or toy for each child

Domestic Violence Center client services:

Safe Shelter:

• Emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and their children
• Transitional housing
• Case management

24-hour Helpline:

• Confidential counseling and referrals
  (410) 997-2272

Counseling

• Individual counseling for domestic violence victims
• Individual counseling for children
• Support groups for women
• Support groups for children
• "New Behaviors" groups for abusers

Legal:

• Legal assistance for domestic violence victims
• Court accompaniment
• Advocacy

Community Education:

• Prevention programs in schools
• Training for:
  • law enforcement
  • medical services
  • human services
  • criminal justice professionals

Volunteer Opportunities

• Helpline counseling (training provided)
• Office assistance
• Special projects and fundraising

Domestic Violence is a community problem, not just a women's problem

How you can help:

• Don't blame the victim. Listen and believe.
• Help her get to safety.
• Call the police if the victim cannot.
• Suggest she call the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County's hotline:
  (410) 997-2272
• Let her know that without intervention, abuse often escalates in frequency and severity.
• Don't be judgmental. You have no idea how you'd react if you were being battered.

Why victims stay in abusive relationships:

• Fear of more severe abuse
• Fear of being killed
• Fear they can't make it on their own finalcially
• Religious beliefs
• Pressure from family
• Fear of losing custody of cjildren
• Feelings of love or sorrow for abusive partner
• Fear of being labeled failures by society
• Promises from the abuser that it "won't happen again"

Did you know?

	Domestic Violence is a crime
	Battering is the single major cause of injury to women - more dangerous than muggings, rapes and car accidents combined
	Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women in Howard County
	The number of animal shelters in the U.S. is more than double that of shelters for domestic violence victims.
	Battering often occurs during pregnancy.
	Violence in the home perpetuates violence in the streets; a majority of criminals who assult teenagers are raised in violent homes.
	U.S businesses lose about $5 billion each year from abuse-related absenteeism, increased health care costs and lost productivity, according to the Bureau of National Affairs.
	The FBI reports that 42 percent of female homicide victime are killed by their current or previous intimate partners.