BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, October 4, 2022) - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the City of Baltimore will be engaged in a variety of activities to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence.
This Friday, October 7, the City Hall Dome will be lit purple in solidarity with those who have experienced domestic violence and, on Thursday, October 20, the City of Baltimore will participate in Domestic Violence Awareness National Day of Action by encouraging city employees to wear purple attire, ribbons, and/or purple pins. Reducing incidents of domestic and intimate partner violence is a key focus of the Mayor Brandon M. Scott's Comprehensive Violence Reduction Plan, and a core component of the victim services work provided by the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE). To date, MONSE has awarded $300,000 in ARPA dollars to community-based organizations, including My Covenant Place, House of Ruth, and TurnAround Inc., who are dedicated to anti-domestic violence efforts. Specifically, the agency has offered these organizations one-year awards to increase emphasis on offender-focused approaches, such as abuser intervention programming (AIPs) for offenders and abusers.
Last year, Scott announced a $750,000 grant for domestic violence prevention in conjunction with key partners including the Baltimore Police Department, the House of Ruth Maryland, and Mercy Medical Center’s Family Violence Response Program that will aid Baltimore City in addressing service delivery, victimization, and interventions that can save lives.
“We know that supporting our residents who have experienced domestic violence is a major piece of our public safety efforts,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We continue to prioritize the public health of our communities and cultivate environments where our children can grow and thrive. I am proud to call on Baltimore to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month as we work to cultivate healthier homes and families.”
As one component of a larger community response to domestic violence and its associated crimes, i.e., sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and child sexual abuse, Baltimore City’s Visitation Center (BCVC) provides a safe location that promotes healthy interactions during the exchange of children between parents or during on-site visitation between parents with their children. The BCVC also serves as an access point for referring families to additional supportive services that may help facilitate a path to healing.
“MONSE remains committed to supporting community members who have experienced domestic violence in Baltimore,” said Shantay Jackson, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. “Coordinating a sensitive and appropriate response to intimate partner violence that recognizes the importance of removing the sole responsibility of safety from the shoulders of survivors is imperative to enact true, sustainable change for individuals and families.”
MONSE is actively looking to sponsor programs and/or organizations that are designed to help change the behaviors of those who have repeatedly used violence toward their intimate partners and/or family members. Organizations may learn more and submit a letter of interest at the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement's Funding Portal. Grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis based on funding availability.
In addition to Purple Thursday and observing the Domestic Violence Awareness National Day of Action, the Scott Administration is asking the public to join the effort to create change by following MONSE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month for resources, local events and tips regarding domestic violence and by joining the national conversation by including the hashtag #WeAreResilient in your social media interactions.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs resources and support, please reach out to any of the following helplines and websites listed below or visit your nearest hospital for assistance:
###
