Domestic Violence Info
Domestic Violence Prevention
Working Together to Promote Safety and Support
The Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and helping promote safety, awareness and prevention throughout the community.
Ending domestic violence requires a coordinated community effort. This page provides information, resources and support services to help individuals recognize abuse, seek assistance and access available protections.
Victim & Witness Updates
Recognizing Domestic Violence
Domestic violence involves efforts to maintain power and control over an intimate partner through intimidation, threats or abuse.
Abuse is not limited to physical violence and may also include:
Verbal abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Financial abuse
Harassment
Controlling behavior
Threats or intimidation
Support
Resources & Support
Emergency Assistance
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Center for Abused Persons
(24-Hour Hotline)
Victim Witness Assistance Unit
To speak with a member of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit at the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, call:
Links
Additional Community Resources
Center for Abused Persons
Charles County Sheriff’s Office
211MD
The Southern Maryland Center for Advocacy
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Love Is Respect
Planning
Prevention & Safety Planning
Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect and safety.
The Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office encourages:
Teaching children about healthy relationships and mutual respect
Creating a personal safety plan if you are preparing to leave an abusive situation
Seeking assistance from available support organizations and advocates
Learning about legal protections that may be available
Protection
Protective Orders
A protective order is a civil court order signed by a judge that may require an individual to stop abusive or harassing behavior.
Depending on the situation, a protective order may also:
Require an abuser to stay away from a victim’s home, workplace or school
Order an abuser to leave a shared residence
Grant temporary custody of children or pets
Restrict contact or communication
There are three types of protective orders in Maryland:
Interim Protective Orders
Temporary Protective Orders
Final Protective Orders
Interim Protective Orders become effective once served by law enforcement and remain active until the scheduled temporary order hearing.
These orders remain in effect until the final protective order hearing.
In some cases, permanent Final Protective Orders may be issued when allowed by law.
Callout
Quick Information Callout
Recognize It
Domestic violence can include physical abuse, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and controlling behavior.
Report It
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Important Contacts
Center for Abused Persons (24-Hour Hotline): 301-645-3336
Charles County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency): 301-932-7777
Prevent It
Learn and teach healthy relationship behaviors
Create a safety plan
Seek support services
Obtain a protective order if needed