PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Calvert County chose to formally recognize the event at the Oct. 7 Board of County Commissioners meeting to draw attention to the issue in the county and highlight services offered for survivors.
Groups involved in the proclamation included the Calvert Commission for Women, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Calvert Safe Housing Network, the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, and the Department of Community Resources. The groups, along with multiple other partners, will host an awareness and discussion panel on Oct. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Middleham & St. Peter’s Church in Lusby to help people learn about available resources or how they can help someone they know.
Kathryn Marsh of the Calvert Commission for Women read a list of statistics to highlight the prevalence and severity of domestic violence nationwide. According to Marsh’s statistics, 24 people experience domestic violence every minute, or 12 million a year. Current numbers show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic violence.
Marsh called out the impact not only on individuals and families, but on communities. Domestic violence contributes to lost workdays and business closures. Furthermore, 68% of mass shooters from 2014 to present have a history of domestic violence.
“It’s very important that we all understand the risk and take it as seriously as I know our professionals in Calvert County do,” Marsh said. “The most important things we can do are educate and provide support.”
Peg Hacskaylo, the president of Calvert Safe Housing Network, said they’ve discovered a huge need for services in the county in a mere six months of operation. During that time, they have worked with Safe Harbor to house 26 unique survivors and their 17 children, providing almost 1,000 safe nights.
“We have learned that there’s a tremendous need here in the county for housing and additional resources, and we’re working as fast as we can to provide them,” Hacskaylo said.
Hacskaylo cited the numerous county partnerships and support as part of how Calvert Safe Housing Network has been able to do this much work in a short time.
State’s Attorney Robert “Bob” Harvey added that their office has a dedicated team of attorneys and advocates for handling domestic violence cases; the team handled 283 cases last year, making it the most prevalent type of crime in the county behind impaired and drunk driving.
Commissioner Catherine Grasso presented the county’s proclamation and said she hoped people would attend the upcoming panel on Oct. 19.
“I want the public to know, don’t think this can’t happen in your family,” Commissioner Grasso said. “Domestic abuse knows no socioeconomic boundaries.”
“Anyone out there, please listen to the proclamation, please take note, and if you need help, get in contact with someone,” Grasso added.
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