Every year people like you are victims of family violence.

In fact, over 5200 cases of family violence per year are reported to the Baltimore County Police Department. It is estimated that these reported cases are only 10 percent of the actual total. Incidents range from verbal threats to critical injuries requiring lengthy hospitalizations. In Baltimore County, approximately 30 percent of the annual homicides are the result of domestic violence. In a family situation, abuse not only directly affects you and your partner, it indirectly affects your children who may witness the violence. Remember, physical abuse continues when it is allowed to continue. If this is a problem for you, we want you to know… you are not alone. This information has been prepared by the Baltimore County Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee. It answers some very important questions asked by the victims of abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is family violence? Answer: Any violence which occurs in the family is considered family violence. Spouse abuse is a form of family violence which occurs between people who are married or living together or having a relationship.

1. Is family violence a crime? Answer: Yes. No one has the right to hit, kick, push, throw things at you, or threaten to harm you. Not even your spouse.
2. I am a victim of family violence. What should I do? Answer: The first thing to consider is your safety. Get to a safe place.
3. Once I am safe, then what should I do? Answer: Now that you are safe, call the police immediately. Remember, family violence is a crime!
4. What will the police do? Answer: They will respond to your call and take the necessary actions to ensure your safety. They will also provide you with information concerning what you can do to further your right to safety from violence.
5. What are my choices? Answer: Legal options, safe shelter, and counseling services

Legal Options The police officer will fill out a report. Be sure to obtain a copy. Your legal options fall under two categories, Civil and Criminal. We recommend that both options be pursued.

Civil Remedy

A Temporary Protection Order can be obtained from a judge. It is available to you if you are married to the abuser, related by blood, or if you live with the abuser and have a child in common. A Temporary Protection Order can provide you with:

• A court order for the abuser to cease the abuse.
• A court order for the abuser to be removed from the home for a specified number of days.
• A court hearing on the case by the end of this period.
• A court order directing custody of your minor children.
• A recommendation by the judge for counseling or other appropriate services.

In order to obtain a Temporary Protection Order you must go to a District or Circuit Court during normal business hours. On evenings and weekends orders can only be obtained at the District Court. Once the Temporary Protection Order has been issued, the police will make every effort to serve the Order on the respondent.

Criminal Remedy

You may pursue criminal charges whether or not you are married to the abuser. In order to do so, you must make a police report with the Police Department and then go to a Court Commissioner. The Court Commissioner will act upon your request for the filing of criminal charges by issuing either a criminal summons or warrant. If a criminal summons is issued, the abuser will be required to appear in court on a specified date to answer the charges. There is no arrest. If a criminal warrant is issued, the abuser will be taken into custody by the police and a trial date will be set. The abuser may or may not remain in custody depending on the outcome of the bail hearing. Again, we urge that both the civil and criminal remedies be pursued to enhance your safety.

[source: Baltimore County Maryland]