Domestic Violence Resources
You can also search our comprehensive resource database to find community support near you:
- Domestic Violence Hotlines
- Protective/Restraining Orders
- Human Trafficking Hotline
- Sexual Assault Hotlines
- Runaway/Homeless Youth Helplines
Emergency Shelter and Other Essentials
If you're fleeing a domestic violence situation, you may leave your home quickly and without the essentials. Programs are available to help you with this.
The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence offers support, including an emergency kit. You can also find a list of community resources for domestic violence in Maryland.
If you live in Kent, Dorchester, Queen Anne's, Talbot and Caroline counties, you can connect with the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence. They offer 24/7 with crisis intervention, emergency shelter, safety planning, pet safety, information and referral, emotional support, counseling and guidance and legal services.
Warning signs
It may be hard to see the warning signs of domestic violence. The Life Crisis Center, which is a member of the 211 Call Center Network, provides support to victims. They outline progressive and controlling behaviors that you may see, including these signs of an unhealthy relationship:
- Control
- Isolation
- Sabotage
- Blame
- Criticism
- Alcohol
- Jealousy
- Anger
- Intensity
Learn more about these warning signs and the tactics that may be used to keep a victim in a relationship.
You can also call 211 to get connected to a local domestic violence service provider or call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Sexual Assault Help
If you've been sexually assaulted, free and confidential support is available to help you. A sexual assault is never your fault.
1. Get connected to resources.
Can also call 2-1-1 to find support near you or reach out to a sexual assault hotline to get free and confidential information. You can find those here.
2. Get support.
Rape Crisis and Recovery Center
Maryland's network of Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers provides crisis intervention and counseling and will also go with you to the hospital, police interviews, and court.
You can call 2-1-1 to find a center near you or find a list of centers on the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) website.
Legal help
MCASA also has a Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) which provides comprehensive legal services to survivors. Learn more about the services they provide.
3. Get medical attention.
Maryland's SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exams) program provides free medical exams. The professionals are trained to work with survivors and will collect evidence, provide medical care, and HIV exposure consultation.
You can get a SAFE exam even if you don't want to get the police involved in the situation. If you are a victim of a sexual assault, reach out for support. Search for SAFE programs in Maryland.
Child Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect child abuse and/or neglect, report it to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement. Reports can be anonymous.
Knowing the signs of neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse or mental injury can help you know when to make a report for a suspected case. In general, child abuse and neglect may include:
- physical injury to a child even when not visible
- failure to give proper care or attention
- leaving a child unattended where the child’s health or welfare is harmed or there is a substantial risk of such
- sexual molestation or exploitation
- impairment of a child’s mental or psychological ability to function
- finding credible evidence of physical abuse, neglect or sexual abuse that hasn’t been satisfactorily refuted
If the state removes a child (under the age of 18) from their home, a legal process is in place to ensure the child’s safety and welfare.
Adult Protective Services
The state also offers Adult Protective Services to anyone over 18 who lacks the physical or mental capacity to care for their needs. There are behavioral, social, financial and physical signs of abuse and neglect with vulnerable individuals and older adults. These may include:
- Confusion and forgetfulness
- Fear, helplessness, shame
- Isolation
- Violence or drug abuse
- Unusual bank activity
- Change in spending habits
- Unpaid bills
- Appearing dirty or unshaven
- Undernourished, dehydrated
- Untreated medical condition
- Cuts, wounds, bruises or other marks
- Unable to speak freely
- Violence or drug abuse
Learn about all the signs from the Maryland Department of Human Services. Report suspected adult abuse to 1-800-91-PREVENT (1-800-917-7383).
Find resources near you in our resource database.
