Domestic Violence Resources

YWCA of Anne Arundel County:
A summary of their informational talk about domestic violence and the resources/services that are available

(September 2023)

YWCA of Anne Arundel County Presentation

The Junior League of Annapolis works with our community partners to educate and empower local women and children. At our first General Membership Meeting of the league year, we welcomed Anna Barton from the YWCA to learn more about their services and provide information, tools, and resources about domestic violence and sexual assault.

The YWCA of Annapolis is the only comprehensive provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services in Anne Arundel County. They provide legal, counseling, residential & outreach, and education services to individuals impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. In Anne Arundel County, they operate the Weinberg Residence, an emergency safe house, for victims and their children in imminent danger, fleeing or attempting to flee. Coming in 2024 is the YWCA Youth Services Residence which is a facility for youth survivors of sex trafficking. 

Sexual assault is something that 1 in 5 women experience in their lifetime. On a typical day, over 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide, and every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Intimate Partner Violence takes many forms including sexual assault, physical violence, virtual, verbal/emotional/psychological, economic, and isolation. 

To help identify and recognize intimate partner violence, the YWCA listed typical red flags that often are seen leading up to abuse:

  • Limiting contact with friends & family
  • Unwanted sexual advances
  • Gaslighting
  • Following and tracking location
  • Demanding access & passwords
  • Smashing a cell phone
  • Throwing/breaking objects
  • Showing up at event or work unannounced
  • Posting screenshots of sexting
  • Mocking faith or church attendance

There is also guidance that you can use when a person confides in you for help.

  1. Listen & believe – friendly, calm, positive conversation
  2. Focus on unhealthy behaviors, not the just the partner
  3. Don’t blame (no judgment or conditions)
  4. Offer solutions, options, resources & safety plan
  5. Empower them to make their own decision
  6. Expect a long process, not a quick fix – be patient
  7. Refer to victim service provider & 24/7 YWCA Hotline for safety planning:  410-222-6800

More information about what the YWCA is doing in our community and how to get involved, please go to https://www.annapolisywca.org. Thank you to the YWCA for presenting at our General Membership Meeting and help educate our members on how to help connect victims of abuse to services in our community. 

Additional resources include:

 

 

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