Domestic Violence Assistance
Domestic Violence is a behavior used by one person in a relationship to control the other person. Partners may be married, dating, cohabiting, domestic partners, or in a civil union.
Myths & Truths
- Domestic violence does not affect many people. Truth: It affects approximately one million people in the U.S. every year, and 85% of victims are women.
- Domestic violence is just a momentary loss of temper. Truth: The abuser makes a conscious decision to abuse. Loss of temper is a tool to enforce control through fear, and it is part of a pattern of abuse.
Get more information about who can be victims and what abuse looks like:
- Who Can Be Victims (English PDF)
- Who Can Be Victims (Spanish PDF)
- Relationship Quiz: Am I Being Abused (English PDF)
- Relationship Quiz: Am I Being Abused (Spanish PDF)
Get more information about common myths of domestic violence.
The Men’s Challenge Initiative
Join the Department of Family Services for a new installment of the Men’s Challenge Initiative – a series of group discussions that seeks to influence men and boys through conversations about developing healthy relationships. See below for a full list of discussion topics and meeting dates.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | Shifting from Competitive to Collaborative Communication in Our Families
Presenter: Tracee Ford
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | Human Trafficking 101
Presenters: Amy Wilken
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | Crushing the Man Box
Presenter: Ron LeGrand
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | How Serving Together Holistically Helps Veterans and Their Families
Presenter: Donnie Williams
Where to Get Help
Here is a list of domestic violence resources:
| Resource | Phone |
|---|---|
| Emergency Assistance | 911 |
| Resource Information | 211 |
| Community Crisis Services, Inc. (Emergency Shelter) | 301-731-1203 |
| Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence | 800-MDHELPS (800-634-3577) |
| Prince George's County Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence Unit | 301-780-8600 |
| Prince George's County Police Dept. Domestic Violence Unit | 301-772-4433 |
| University of Maryland Hospital Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center | 301-618-3154 |
| House of Ruth (24-Hour Hotline) | 410-889-RUTH (410-889-7884) |
| Community Advocates for Family and Youth (CAFY) | 301-390-4092 |
| Prince George's County Family Justice Center | 301-780-8008 |
| Prince George's County Child & Adult Protective Services | 301-909-2450 |
To expand our outreach efforts, we encourage you to incorporate our Domestic Violence Prevention memes and webinars into your services, events, and programs.
View the Webinar | Listen to the Podcast | Download the Resource Guide
Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division
The Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division:
- Assists in the coordination of services and programs for individuals impacted by domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault
- Collaborates with stakeholders
- Identifies gaps in services
- Develops programs and services to meet the unique needs of our community
- Advocates for victims of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and their families
Previous Event Photos and Videos
Girls Talk: A Queen’s Worth | October 2021
Momentum: A Conversation with Men About Mental Health and Wellness | March 2021
Girls Talk: Love United Mother Daughter Tea | September 2019
Father's Day Pledge: A United Vision of a Community Free of Domestic Violence Lead by Men
Momentum: Men Making Our Relationships Excellent | March 2019