MARYLAND SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION UNVEILS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFETY CARD

The Maryland Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) has produced a new wallet-sized card aimed at helping to protect victims of domestic violence. The card is designed to provide general safety tips on one side and county-specific information, such as hotline numbers, on the reverse.

“Prevention of domestic violence is a priority of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association,” said Kent County Sheriff John F. Price, IV, past President of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association. “Sheriffs are called upon in every county in the State to respond to domestic violence incidents. Our awareness about the frequency of its occurrences was the impetus for the safety card.”

Statistics from Crime in Maryland, the 2001 Uniform Crime Report, indicate that a total of 20,688 domestic violence crimes were reported by law enforcement agencies during the 2001 calendar year. However, these statistics are based solely on incidents in which domestic violence was identified as the cause and a police report was written. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that about 25% of domestic violence assaults are actually reported to the police. Of those incidents reported, 75% of the domestic violence victims were female and 25% were male.

According to Michael F. Canning, Executive Director of the MSA, over 100,000 safety cards overall were printed for distribution statewide in Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.

“Safety cards will be accessible to victims through county sheriff’s offices and local domestic violence shelters,” said Mr. Canning. “This safety card is part of the Association’s effort to be proactive with issues of public concern.”

The front of the three-fold wallet card, about the size of a business card, has instructions for a safety plan which include encouragement to

• Plan an escape in the event of a violent attack
• Have a third party take photos of injuries and keep the photos in a safe place
• Talk to someone you trust about the abuse
• Hide a set of spare keys, money, extra clothes and prescription(s)
• Retain copies of important papers for both you and your children
• Keep change for pay phones, a pre-paid calling card or a charged cell phone
• Open a personal bank account
• Call 911 right away if you need help; teach your children to do the same.

Michael Cohen, Director of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) applauded the MSA in reaching out victims of domestic violence. “This was incredibly generous of them to do,” said Ms. Cohen. “We wanted to develop a card that is very small and can be tucked into a purse, wallet – even a shoe – that the abuser couldn’t find. All the important phone numbers a victim needs are listed on each card.” The Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline is 1-800-MD-HELPS (634-3577).

The Office of Sheriff remains the lead agency in most of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions for the service of Domestic Violence Petitions, Emergency Evaluation Petitions, Peace Orders and related process. This is one of the largest areas of growth in the Sheriff’s Office.

Copies of the domestic violence safety card are available at your local Sheriff’s office or by contacting the MSA at 410.269.4238 or via e-mail at kfrissyn@maniscanning.com.