Maryland has a wide range of agencies that will provide help for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Most provide free counseling. Some offer shelter and/or legal representation. Most services are free. Some are offered on a sliding scale. Some agencies also offer programs to help batterers. Some agencies serve the entire state and they will be listed as well.  Below is information on services available in Anne Arundel County.

YWCA Woman’s Center

Location:
Anne Arundel County
YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County 
1517 Ritchie Highway/Suite 101
Arnold, MD 21012

Phone:
24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline:  410-222-6800
Domestic Violence and Counseling:  410-626-7800 (Anne Arundel County)

Fax:
410-757-0908

Service Area:
Will accept shelter referrals from other jurisdictions

Services: 

• Counseling: Survivors (individual and group) and children 
• Batterer’s Program 
• Legal services:  Ex parte (Civil Advocates in both Annapolis and Glen Burnie District Courts and Circuit Courts, as well as further matters with divorce & custody advocate in Circuit Court. Protective Order Representation (sliding scale according to gross income)
• Shelter (must call hotline first:  only domestic violence) 
• Counseling: Survivors (individual and group) and children 
• No males over approximately 16 years.

Limitations:

• Will not accept survivors who have current substance abuse problems or who have severe medical or mental health needs (YWCA will provide referrals to other shelters)
• No limitations for legal services.

Family and Children's Services

Location:
1001 N. Crane Highway
110 B
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Phone:  
410-263-5743

Services: 

• General counseling and specialized programs for all ages, including: battered spouses and victims of sexual abuse
• Counseling:  Individual, couple, family, and survivor support program

Limitations:

• No legal services

Sexual Assault and Crisis Center

Location:
Suite 100
1419 Forest Drive
Annapolis, MD 21403

Phone:  
24 Hour Hotline:  410-222-7273
Administration:  410-267-8741

Services: 

• Counseling:  first 8 sessions are free and the following sessions are based on a sliding scale

• Advocacy

• Services to secondary victims (family and friends of victims of sexual assault)

• Hospital Accompaniment

• All ages (generally, no children under three):  all children’s services are free

• General Counseling issues (410-263-5743):  cost based on sliding scale 

Limitations:

• Only provide counseling services for victims of sexual assault (sexual abuse) or person who know victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse

• They will provide Hospital Accompaniment for victims of Domestic Violence (if there is not an incident of sexual assault related to the case, the case will be referred to the YWCA)

House of Ruth

Last Update (no legal content)  6/13/03 (MLAN/CK/AC)

Source: Maryland Legal Assistance Network (MLAN). This directory was updated in 2003 by Rita Ortiz, House of Ruth intern and Celeste Knight, Legal Aid Bureau.