BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, October 4, 2023) – October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and the City of Baltimore is engaging in a variety of activities to bring attention to the issue of domestic and intimate partner violence (IPV).
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and all who stand in solidarity to create change for peace across Baltimore’s neighborhoods, Mayor Scott has ordered that the City Hall Dome be illuminated purple throughout the month of October. City employees and members of the public are encouraged to wear purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day on Friday October 20, 2023, a national day of unity and support to break the silence and end domestic violence.
“We know that supporting our residents who have experienced domestic violence is a crucial component of our public safety efforts,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We must continue to prioritize the public health of our communities and create 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.”
Reducing incidents of domestic and intimate partner violence is a key focus of the Mayor Brandon M. Scott's Comprehensive Violence Prevention 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 HARBEL Community Organization, My Covenant Place, House of Ruth, and TurnAround Inc., who are dedicated to anti-domestic violence efforts. In FY24 MONSE will invest an additional $250,000 in ARPA funding to domestic violence service providers focused on abuse intervention programing to help build capacity to reach more individuals who have caused harm.
This is in addition to work done directly through MONSE’s Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention team to: actively hold IPV prevention workshops designed to help raise awareness on the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships; provide direct service assistance and court accompaniment, access to community resources and crisis intervention supports to victims seeking protective orders; and reduce domestic violence related homicides as part of various coordinated community response teams. In FY23, MONSE’s IPV Prevention team served 220 individuals and reached 94 unique attendees through various trainings and workshops.
To help support this work, the City of Baltimore will receive $700,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women, Justice for Families award to continue operation of the Baltimore City Visitation Center through 2026, a core part of MONSE’s IPV team’s work serves as an access point for referring families to receive additional supportive services that help co-facilitate a path to healing for survivors of intimate partner violence.
“I am pleased to see this invaluable service and supportive resource continue for families in Baltimore City impacted by intimate partner violence, child sexual abuse, dating violence and stalking,” said Wendy Lee, Initimate Partner Violence Prevention Deputy Director, MONSE. “Visitation centers play an integral and necessary role in protecting the safety of children and adult victims as they navigate their path toward healing.”
“The continued award is a testament to the great work that the Visitation Center and MONSE are doing and the importance and success of our collaboration,” said Deena Hausner, Director, House of Ruth Maryland Legal Clinic. “We are honored to be a part of this work and look forward to the continued partnership.”
Additionally, MONSE is calling on men and boys to further demonstrate support by joining the white ribbon campaign throughout DVAM by sharing photos of themselves, teammates, fraternities and social networks donning all white attire and/or white ribbons using the hashtag #MONSEwhiteribbon. Information on the white ribbon campaign can be found here.
Individuals and organizations interested in partnering with MONSE’s IPV Prevention team can email the agency at MONSE.VictimSupport@baltimorecity.gov.
Victims of domestic violence in need of resources and support are encouraged to reach out to any of the following helplines and websites listed below or visit their nearest hospital for assistance:
Individuals using power and/or control to harm a domestic or dating partner and are in need of resources to change their behaviors, should reach out to any of the following agencies:
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House of Ruth Maryland Gateway Project: 443-569-0482
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My Covenant Place Alpha Project: 443-759-3355
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TurnAround, Inc: 410-837-7000
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HARBEL Community Organization: 410-444-2100
Follow MONSE on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook for more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities and events.
