To Victims of Domestic Violence: You Are Not Trapped. Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence is Here to Help
Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence wants all victims of domestic violence to know that they can get help during this time of uncertainty, that that they can still get protective orders, and that we are here for them.
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Our Hotline WILL NOT close. It is available 24/7/365. Please make sure to share this number with anyone that can use it: 1-800-927-4673. Victims can also contact our hotline through our website and from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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We can provide Emergency Shelter for victims and their children, and pets on a case-by-case basis (Call the Hotline)
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You can still get a protective order, and we can help you remotely. Read on for directions for obtaining protection orders during quarantine.
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MSCFV Case Managers are still available to help clients through the phone and email – reach out to your case manager just to check in. If you don’t know their number, call 410- 690-3222 during business hours.
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Our legal team is still working on our clients’ cases even while the courts are closed. If you have new legal challenges, reach out to your case manager.
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Other services are available on a case-by-case basis through case managers, so call them.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING THE QUARANTINE
Step 1: Get Out of Immediate Danger
If you are in an immediate life-threatening situation: CALL 9-1-1
When the police arrive, have them call us at 1-800-927-4673
Step 2: Contact Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence (MSCFV)
Our Hotline Advocates are available 24/7/365 at 1-800-927-4673. If it is not safe to call, you can message us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We have Emergency Shelter available and we will partner you with an MSCFV Case Manager who will connect you with other resources
Step 3: Get a Protective Order – We will help you
To get a protective order you need to complete a Petition for Protective Order (CC-DC-DV-001). After you call our hotline you will be partnered with a case manager who will offer assistance toward your plan to seek a protective order.
*UPDATED 3/31/2020* During this time of quarantine, District Court Commissioners Office in the County where the abuse took place is where you need to go to receive the Petition for Protective Order. It is strongly encouraged that you call the District Court Commissioners Office before going there to let them know you are coming and to find out exactly how you get the forms. The phone number for Caroline County’s District Court Commissioners Office is 410-819-4600.
When you get the Petition paperwork, you will not be allowed to stay in the courthouse to complete the forms.
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Find a safe location (your vehicle, a bench, a Church, etc.)
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If you have not contacted our hotline, call us now at 1-800-927-4673
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If you have already contacted our hotline, call your MSCFV Case Manager. They can help you fill out the paperwork over the phone. If you don’t know their number, call us at 1-410-690-3222 and the advocate answering the phone will get a message to the appropriate Case Manager.
STEP 4: Contact MSCFV again
You are not alone. Once you complete and submit the Petition for Protective Order, call your MSCFV Case Manager. They will help you make and work through a plan to leave the violence and create a life in which you can take care of yourself and your family, violence-free. We are here to help you through your entire journey.
Please don’t be discouraged if you don’t get what you want or need right away. The closures are confusing for everyone. We can help walk them through the process. We are here for you, even if it is only through the phone.