Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Executive Office Building Circle; 101 Monroe Street, Rockville
As prepared
October is “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
And very sadly, some domestic violence situations in our County recently ended tragically.
So, Montgomery County is reaching out to give our residents a very clear message: If you are afraid of your partner, you can call us and we can help.
Montgomery County has both the Family Justice Center and the Abused Persons Program.
Both programs offer help and support to anyone who is concerned about their girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, or domestic partner.
Domestic violence is a national problem. One in four women and one in seven men report having been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
Domestic violence is not just physical – it can take the form of emotional, financial, technological or sexual abuse.
Sadly, domestic violence is rather prevalent. For example, nearly half of all women and men in the United States have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
That is why we want to be sure people know that free, confidential help is available in Montgomery County.
Our Family Justice Center is a one-stop shop for victims of domestic violence and their families. It provides multiple resources under one roof. They can be reached at 240-773-0444.
Our Abused Persons Program offers counseling and therapeutic services for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, to end the cycle of violence. They can be reached at 240-777-4673.
Montgomery County, and our Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, are launching an outreach campaign that includes ads on buses and bus shelters around the County, to bring attention to these free resources.
This outreach campaign is supported by the Family Justice Center Foundation, the Commission for Women, the Office of Councilmember Sidney Katz and Court Watch Montgomery.
In summary, if you are afraid of your partner, we offer free, confidential help. Please call us.
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Release ID: 17-104
October 9; 11:15 a.m.