WALDORF, Md. — The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center Inc. (MCVRC), in partnership with the Charles County Charitable Trust, hosted its first Victims’ Rights Community Town Hall at Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church in Waldorf. The event began a series of forums designed to educate the public about victims’ rights and connect individuals with local support services.
During the May 8 event, MCVRC attorneys and Charitable Trust staff led a live Q&A session addressing topics such as domestic violence, protective and peace orders, child abuse, human trafficking, homicide and students’ legal rights in schools. Community members participated both in person and online. Private rooms were made available for one-on-one consultations about legal options and available resources.
The discussion was co-hosted by Christie Burnett, executive director of the Charitable Trust, and Joanna Mupanduki, deputy executive director of MCVRC.
The event also featured support from additional nonprofit organizations offering services in Charles County. Participating partners included LifeStyles of Maryland Inc., Poiema Movement, the Center for Abused Persons, the Center for Children and the Affiliated Santé Group.
Since 2018, the Charitable Trust has supported MCVRC’s work in Charles County through annual grant funding. Trust staff also attend courtroom proceedings and outreach events to observe how MCVRC advocates assist victims and families, including during emotionally difficult sentencing hearings.
MCVRC is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that crime victims and their families receive justice, respect and comprehensive support. The organization provides legal representation, court accompaniment, assistance with victim impact statements and referrals to counseling and support groups. Advocates work with victims through every stage of the criminal and juvenile justice systems — sometimes over the course of years.
How to Get Help: Call MCVRC at (301) 952-0063 or visit www.mdcrimevictims.org to complete a confidential intake form.
How to Help: Support MCVRC through donations or by volunteering. Learn more at www.mdcrimevictims.org/support/donate.
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could we have a least a months advance notice of this?