Four of the 22 homicides in Montgomery County last year were related to domestic violence, according to Dr. Earl Stoddard, assistant administrative chief officer of the county.
During October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the county is making an all-out push to let victims know there is help, and it often is free. The council issued a proclamation Tuesday.
Bright red posters with warning signs of domestic abuse on them and are designed to look like stop signs are on display at Veteran’s Plaza at the Silver Spring Civic Center through the month of October.
According to the county council, approximately 5,000 protection orders from possible abusers are served each year, and 150 misdemeanor domestic violence cases are prosecuted monthly.
The county’s Family Justice Center serves 1,100 clients annually. The center’s mission is to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and create a safe community for families to live free of abuse.
Throughout the country, millions of women and men are impacted by some form of intimate partner abuse that results in injury, post traumatic stress disorder, housing insecurity and missed time at work or school, according to Councilmember Sidney Katz.
“If you need help, reach out. There is a service that can help you,” Stoddard said during Tuesday morning’s council meeting.
The Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council asks residents to wear purple Oct. 19 and post a photo on social media with the tag @mocodvcc.
For help for yourself, family member or friend, contact the Montgomery County Family Justice Center at 240-773-0444, the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 or email safe@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Councilmember @MC_Council_Katz presents a joint proclamation recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month #DVAM2023. pic.twitter.com/1TNTjw7YRj
— Montgomery Council (@MoCoCouncilMD) October 3, 2023
