If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Police work with domestic violence/family violence organizations throughout Maryland, including the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, which serves Kent, Dorchester, Queen Anne's, Talbot and Caroline counties. These agencies provide additional support once you are safe. The Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence provides help 24/7 with crisis intervention, emergency shelter, safety planning, pet safety, information and referral, emotional support, counseling and guidance and legal services.
If you're not sure where to go for help, call 2-1-1. We can connect you to community resources for domestic and family violence, sexual assault, restraining or protective order, human trafficking, child abuse or neglect and adult abuse or neglect.
Dial 2-1-1 to speak to an Information and Referral Specialist 24/7/365.
You can also search for resources near you:
Domestic Violence Help
Always call 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available throughout Maryland. The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence offers support, including an emergency kit so the individual can leave home with the essentials. You can also find a list of community resources for domestic violence in Maryland.
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.
Maryland Child Protective Services details potential signs of neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or mental injury so adults, caregivers and professionals know when to report 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 from home, there is a legal process to ensure the child’s safety and welfare.
A child is anyone under the age of 18 years old.
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).
