Do You Feel Unsafe at Home? Are you concerned about a neighbor or loved one? Free Help Is Available.
The public health crisis surrounding COVID-19 has magnified the dangers that victims of family violence face every day. Victims are often isolated, manipulated, and controlled by their abuser. They may be intimate partners, children, seniors, or vulnerable people and unable to seek help on their own. Their isolation often cuts them off from potential support systems, which is why it is so difficult for them to come forward and seek help even in normal times.
There are natural stressors that come with times of fear and uncertainty, and the COVID-19 public health crisis in particular is triggering financial and occupational concerns in many homes. This, in combination with self-quarantine and social distancing, puts family violence victims in an incredibly volatile and dangerous situation, with limited access to any support system.
Please know that county resources remain free, open, available and ready to assist in any language. County service providers do not inquire about immigration status. County service providers are taking every precaution to maintain safe, healthy, and socially distanced environments for those that seek services. The courts are open for those that need to seek protective and peace orders. If you have a neighbor, friend, or family member that you are concerned about, encourage them to reach out for help, or you can make the call or send an email and receive guidance on how to support them.
Materials For Distribution
Stickers/cards for distribution: The stickers can be used on plexiglass at open stores. The cards can be distributed electronically or in person.
Posters or yard signs: Posters or yard signs can be displayed in or in front of your business.
Graphics and language for social media: Please consider utilizing the attached graphics for your social media posts. You can post the graphic, alert people to the issue, and include language that says for more information go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/. The FJC website includes information about all of the resources listed below. You can also repost social media posts from the county executive, MCPD, and the Sheriff’s Office.
Websites, emails, and other means of communicating with your networks: Please feel free to utilize any or all of the information provided in this document. If you need additional information or clarifying language, please let us know.
Handouts: Several handouts and videos are attached for your use and distribution.
Available Resources
- The Family Justice Center (FJC) and its network of advocates and service providers is available FREE OF CHARGE Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Call them at 240-773-0444, walk-in to 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20852, or email [email protected] for assistance (email checked during business hours). Free transportation to/from the Center may be available if needed.
- The advocates and therapists at the Abused Persons Program are available FREE OF CHARGE during regular business hours at 240-777-4195.
- For 24-hour assistance:
- Call the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 or walk-in 24/7 to 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Go to the District Court Commissioners Office to file for a Protective Order at 191 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Montgomery County Child Welfare Services is staffed 24 hours a day at 240-777-4417 or [email protected] (email is checked during business hours).
- Childhelp USA has a 24-hour hotline to report suspected child abuse. People can either call or text (800) 4-A-CHILD ([800] 422-4453 for help. Childhelp also has a chat feature allows abuse to be reported online: http://www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline
- Adult Protective Services is staffed 24 hours a day at 240-777-3000.
- The Tree House Child Advocacy Center provides services for child abuse victims at 240-777-4699 and www.treehousemd.org.
- The Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) is available at 240-777-1355 and [email protected].
- For specialized medical care, including domestic violence, sexual assault exams and child abuse, please contact Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center at 240-826-6225.
- As always, those in immediate danger who need emergency assistance should dial 911.
To request posters, stickers, yard signs or cards, or for any questions, please contact Smita Varia, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Program Manager at [email protected].
The Family Justice Center Foundation does not provide direct services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking.
The Family Justice Center (FJC)
Transportation to and/or from the Center is available for those who need it.
Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm
Call: 240-773-0444
Walk-in: 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20852
Abused Persons Program
Call: 240-777-4195
For 24-Hour Assistance: The Montgomery County Crisis Center
Call: 240-777-4000
Mailing address PO BOX: 10692 Rockville, MD 20849 & EIN # 94-444962
