Safety Alert from the State’s Attorney

With the increase in COVID-19 cases brought on by the Omicron variant, we are concerned about victims of Domestic Violence who may be suffering in silence. In addition, we have seen an increase in reports of Child Abuse in recent months and we know social isolation is one of the greatest risk factors for Elder Abuse.

• Please call 911 now if you or someone you know is in immediate, life threatening danger.
• Click here for information on Red Flags and how you can get help. Free services remain open and available.
• SUBSCRIBE to the brand-new State’s Attorney’s Office Email Newsletters for important public safety information.

 

CHILD ABUSE FACTS:

Children of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds are at risk for physical abuse. Physical abuse affects both boys and girls across neighborhoods, communities, and countries around the world. Children ages 4–7 and 12–15 are at the greatest risk of being physically abused.

During virtual learning, reports of child abuse dropped drastically in Montgomery County because many victims were isolated at home with their abuser. Following the return to the classroom we saw a spike in reports. However, the current COVID-19 surge has now forced some schools to return to distance learning, once again leaving children who may be in need of help without a safe place to report.

Services Available:

• To report suspected child abuse, contact Montgomery County Child Welfare Services:
  • Call the hotline at 240-777-4417 (24 hours)
  • Email childprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov (email is checked during business hours).
• The Tree House Child Advocacy Center provides services for child abuse victims at 240-777-4699. 
• To talk, chat or text an advocate if you know someone is being abused, or if you are being abused contact ChildHelp.org:
  • Call or Chat: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
  • Chat at https://www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline/

 

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE:

The severity of domestic violence attacks has increased during the COVID-19 health crisis, including strangulation. Surviving victims of strangulation are 750 percent more likely to be killed by their intimate partner. State’s Attorney John McCarthy recently spoke with Fox 5 News about the issue ahead of a public webinar hosted by Assistant State’s Attorney Debbie Feinstein.

"I think the bottom-line message particularly when it comes to those in the community that may have suffered or been the victims of strangulation, you’re at risk. You could die. Please get out, seek help, come to us, and there are a number of public and private agencies there to help you."  -State’s Attorney John McCarthy

Services Available:​

• The Montgomery County Family Justice Center - Mon-Fri, 8;30 - 5:00 pm
  • Assistance with safety planning, protective orders, legal assistance, counseling.
  • Call 240-773-0444
  • Email: safe@montgomerycountymd.gov (checked during business hours)
  • Walk-in to 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 500 in Rockville
• The Montgomery County Crisis Center (24 hours)
  • Help with crisis situations, and coordinates shelter placement
  • Call 240-777-4000
• District Court Commissioner’s Office (24 hours)
  • File for Protective Orders
  • 191 East Jefferson St in Rockville
• The Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) 
  • 240-777-1355
  • Email: vasap@montgomerycountymd.gov
• Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center has specialized medical care and forensic services
  • 9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville
  • 240-826-6225

 

ELDER ABUSE:

Elder abuse is the mistreatment or harming of an older person. It can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and financial exploitation.

The State’s Attorney’s Office CASVA Unit (Crimes Against Seniors and Vulnerable Adults) is designed to focus on the protection of seniors from physical and financial crimes. Staying connected, phoning older adults, checking on an older neighbor, writing a card or letter, can all be positive steps to ensure public safety and social justice.

Services Available:​

• Montgomery County Adult Protective Services
  • 240-777-3000 (24 hours)
• The Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP)
  • 240-777-1355
  • vasap@montgomerycountymd.gov.
• Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center has specialized medical care and forensic services:
  • 240-826-6225
  • 9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville

 

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to the brand-new State’s Attorney’s Office Email Newsletters for important public safety information. We will be sending periodic public safety awareness messages.

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