October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Calvert County should stand proud of all the accomplishments the Crisis Intervention Center at the Calvert County Health Department has achieved throughout the years in the battle to eliminate domestic violence in our community. Calvert County Commission for Women is partnering with the Calvert County Crisis Intervention Center to increase awareness of domestic violence. The Calvert County Crisis Intervention Center was the first agency to implement the ‘Maryland Lethality Assessment Program’ which has been adopted nationwide as the ‘Maryland Model’. In addition, it was the second county in Maryland to form a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team (DVFRT).
We should ALL be proud of these accomplishments as domestic violence negatively impacts our community. “Domestic violence is not a women’s issue, it’s a community issue” says, Corrita Myers, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Crisis Intervention Center.
As Margaret Dunkle, who chairs the Calvert County Commission for Women, says: “Domestic violence is one of the most common — and under-reported — crimes in our country. In 2013, Amanda Foster of Lusby was stabbed to death by her boyfriend. The year before, three family members died in Owings from domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminds us how important it is for families, law enforcement, public agencies, and community groups to work together to eliminate this serious problem in Calvert County.”
The leadership of Commissioners Lynne Krause and Ariane Odom is a testimony to the fact that domestic violence is a vital issue of safety and well-being for women and children in Calvert County. The Crisis Intervention Center and Calvert County Commission for Women would like to invite all of Calvert County to attend the events scheduled in October to support those who are living with domestic violence and to honor those who have left abusive relationships. The following are a list of activities throughout Calvert County:
• Clothesline Project-The Clothesline Project is displayed throughout Calvert County to honor those who live in or have escaped from domestic violence. The Clothesline Project is a program where T-shirts are made by domestic violence survivors with positive affirmations that life does get better. This year, the youth at the East John Youth Center designed inspirational t-shirts that will be display as well. Locations for the Clothesline Projects include College of Southern Maryland, Calvert County Health Department, Calvert Library Prince Frederick, Calvert Library Solomons, Calvert County Court House lobby and the second floor of the Calvert County District Court Building. The display will be available for viewing at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick beginning September 29th through October 31st. The display will be available for viewing at the Calvert County Health Department beginning September 25th through October 31st. All other locations can be displayed beginning September 23rd through October 31st.
• October 7, 2014- The Calvert County Commissioners will proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month during their meeting at 9:00 am at 175 Main Street Prince Frederick Maryland in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room. This is event is open to the public. Calvert County Commission for Women will also display the perpetual plaque commending all past Calvert County Domestic Violence Awareness Month Honorees for their work to effectively address domestic violence in Calvert County.
• October 18, 2014- Calvert County Commission for Women and The Crisis Intervention Center, will host “ In Our Own Voice – Panel discussion related to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence” moderated by Commissioner Lynne Krause of Calvert County Commission for Women. This event will take place at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick 850 Costley Way Prince Frederick MD from 1pm – 3pm.
• October 21, 2014-The Crisis Intervention Center and Calvert County Commission for Women, will host a Candlelight Vigil from 7 pm – 7:30pm in the Calvert County Circuit Courtyard located at 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678.
• October 21, 2014- The Crisis Intervention Center and the Calvert County Commission for Women will host a Recognition Ceremony from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Albright Building Meeting room at 205 Main Street to honor individuals for their efforts to end domestic violence in Calvert County. Jennifer Foxworthy, Author of Tomorrow My Sunshine Will Come: Memoirs of Women Who Survived Domestic Violence will be the guest speaker. Autographed books will be on sale for a nominal fee of $15.00. Refreshments will be provided.
• November 12, 2014- The Crisis Intervention Center and Calvert County Commission for Women will host a community forum or men only; “Real Men Talk” at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick 850 Costley Way Prince Frederick MD from 7:00pm to 8:30 pm.
The Crisis Intervention Center is still accepting nominations to honor those who have helped others living in domestic violence. Please visit our website at www.calverthealth.org or contact Corrita Myers at 410-535-1121 for more information. The deadline for nominations is October 10, 2014.
The Crisis Intervention Center is seeking community volunteers and volunteer victim advocates to help with community education and support. Please contact Corrita Myers at 410-535-1121 for more information or visit our face book page at www.facebook.com/ciccalvertcounty.
The Calvert County Crisis Intervention Center provides short-and long-term counseling to domestic violence and sexual assault adult and child victims and their families. It also sponsors an abuser intervention program for abusing partners. Please contact the Crisis Intervention Center at 410-535-1121 for more information.
Calvert County Commission for Women is the County’s volunteer agency appointed by the County Commissioners and charged with developing opportunities for women and children; eliminating barriers that prevent women from realizing their full potential; and giving recognition to the contributions of women in Calvert County. For more information, please contact calvertwomen@gmail.com.