Domestic Violence Programs

The YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is best known for our services in support of individuals who are victims of domestic violence. This includes women, men and even children. The services provided range from actual refuge at the domestic violence safe house and 24-hour hotline to courses to rehabilitate offenders. In addition, counseling, support groups and legal services provide the cornerstone of the YWCA’s influence on enabling victims to leave their abusers.

• Hotline: (410) 222-6800. A safe and secure connection to a trained advocate to assist with the social, emotional, residential and resource needs of individuals who are victims of domestic violence. This includes options of entering the safe-house, legal representation for securing a protective order, and other resources to enable an individual to immediately and permanently leave their abuser and feel protected.
• Safe House: Arden House provides safe shelter in an undisclosed location to individuals and their children who are victims of abuse. The home can accommodate up to 21 individuals and provides private accommodations for each family. Community rooms include the kitchen, family room, lending library and children’s play area. Basic food items, hygiene supplies, bedding, bus tokens and local phone service is available to all residents. Individuals looking to enter the safe house are to complete an intake through the Domestic Violence Hotline by calling (410) 222-6800.  Click here to learn how you can support the Arden House.
• Counseling: Adult and child counseling services are available through the out-patient counseling center at the YWCA. Services focus on breaking the cycle of violence by providing an explanation of the control that perpetuates abuse occurring in the home, defining characteristics of individuals that abuse, the correlation between domestic violence and substance abuse, emotional abuse, safety planning and the effects of domestic violence on children and pregnancy.  Individual, couples and family counseling is available as well as group support services. Services are provided on a fee-schedule. Referral to additional support services are made available as part of the intake process. The intake office can be reached at (410) 626-7800.
• Legal Services: The YWCA provides legal services to victims of domestic violence on a fee-scale basis including pro-bono services for those unable to provide payment.  These services are focused on obtaining peace and protective orders for victims seeking respite from their abuser(s).  These services are available by contacting the Legal Services Department at the YWCA or speaking with an advocate (no appointment required) at Annapolis District Court, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County and Glen Burnie District Court.  A YWCA office is located within each of these court houses.
  
  The YWCA Legal Services office administers the Private Bar Custody Project for low-income families seeking representation for contested custody cases, which can include claims for custody arising from a divorce. This program is funded by the Maryland Legal Services Corporation. For more information, please contact the YWCA Legal Services office at 410-626-7800 x300.
• Abuser Intervention Program: Individuals who have exhibited domestic violence are encouraged to complete the 28-week series that focuses on taking accountability for one’s actions as well as developing alternative options for coping with the issues that led to the violence in the home. The group is led by both a male and female facilitator with an emphasis on the male and female perspectives toward the relationship. A portion of individuals in the course are mandated to attend through the court system and others have realized the need to take action prior to court involvement. The cost per session is $30.00 and no more than 4 sessions can be missed over the course of the 28 weeks in order to receive a certificate of completion
• Women’s Alternatives to Violence: The Women’s Alternative to Violence is a support and educational program for women who have been abusive toward others including their significant other. This group meets weekly and provides the foundation for taking responsibility for one’s decisions while also gaining an understanding for the root of the behavior. Many women also determine that individual counseling through the out-patient counseling center is necessary to address some of the underlying issues leading to the abuse. Ultimately, women are provided with alternative methods for effectively relating to their families and significant others.
• Support Groups: Individuals who are victims of domestic violence are encouraged to participate in these safe groups which are facilitated by counselors trained specifically in the area of domestic violence. Groups focus on the underlying causes of domestic violence, reasons for staying, concerns about the unknown, breaking the cycle of violence and building positive family relationships. These groups also provide a forum for individuals to form bonds with other victims and an understanding that, unfortunately, domestic violence occurs far too frequently.