Hotline

A safe and secure connection to a trained advocate to assist with the social, emotional, residential and resource needs of individuals who are victims of domestic violence. This includes options of entering the safe house, legal representation for securing a protective order, and other resources to enable an individual to immediately and permanently leave their abuser and feel protected. The domestic violence hotline can be reached at 410-222-6800. 

Safe House

The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Residence (domestic violence safe house) provides safe shelter in an undisclosed location to individuals and their children who are victims of abuse. The home can accommodate up to 40 individuals and provides private accommodations for each family. Community rooms include the kitchen, family room, children’s play room, counseling offices, computer lab, playground and more. Basic food items, hygiene supplies, bedding, bus tokens and local phone service is available to all residents. Individuals looking to enter the residence are to complete an intake through the 24-hour hotline by calling 410-222-6800. Click here to see our wish list.

Counseling

Adult and child counseling services are available through the outpatient counseling center at the YWCA. Services focus on breaking the cycle of violence by providing an explanation of the control that perpetuates abuse occurring in the home, defining characteristics of individuals that abuse, the correlation between domestic violence and substance abuse, emotional abuse, safety planning and the effects of domestic violence on children and pregnancy. Individual, couples and family counseling is available as well as group support services. Services are provided on a fee-schedule. Referral to additional support services is made available as part of the intake process. The intake office can be reached at 410-626-7800.

Legal Services

The YWCA provides legal services to victims of domestic violence on a fee-scale basis including pro-bono services for those unable to provide payment. These services are focused on obtaining peace and protective orders for victims seeking respite from their abuser(s). These services are available by contacting the Legal Services Department at the YWCA or speaking with an advocate (no appointment required) at Annapolis District Court, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County and Glen Burnie District Court. A YWCA office is located within each of these courthouses.

Abuser Intervention 

The Abuser Intervention Program is a support and educational program for individuals who have been abusive toward others including their significant other. This group meets weekly for 28 weeks and provides the foundation for taking responsibility for one’s decisions while also gaining an understanding for the root of the behavior. Many program participants also determine that individual counseling through the outpatient counseling center is necessary to address some of the underlying issues leading to the abuse. The end result is that graduates have a better understanding of what triggers them, they take ownership of their decisions, and have a “tool-box” of alternative methods for effectively relating to their families and significant others. The YWCA also has an intervention program specific to women perpetrators called Women’s Alternatives to Violence (WAV).

Mentoring Connections

The YWCA proudly provides opportunities for local women to connect with other professional women to receive career advice, mentoring, and employment opportunities. The majority of YWCA Mentors have been honored through the TWIN (Tribute to Women and Industry) Awards program and represent a wide range of industries. For more information and to obtain access to the Mentoring Portal, please contact the YWCA Human Resources Department at 410-626-7800.

Financial Literacy & Jobs Skills Training

A significant barrier for many individuals wanting to leave a violent home is having adequate financial resources. The YWCA has partnered with BB&T to utilize an online curriculum consisting of a series of short ten-minute interactive learning courses. Courses are designed to empower individuals with the skills to successfully manage their finances and make responsible financial decisions.

Support Groups

Individuals who are victims of domestic violence are encouraged to participate in these safe groups that are facilitated by counselors trained specifically in the area of domestic violence. Groups focus on the underlying causes of domestic violence, reasons for staying, concerns about the unknown, breaking the cycle of violence, and building positive family relationships. These groups also provide a forum for individuals to form bonds with other victims and an understanding that, unfortunately, domestic violence occurs far too frequently.