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 Howard County.

Domestic Violence Center of Howard County

Location:
8950 Route 108
Parkridge Plaza Building, Suite 116
Columbia, MD  21045

Phone:
24 Hour Hotline:  410-997-2272 
Toll free:1800-752-0191
Phone:  410-997-0304

Fax:
410-997-1397

Email: dvc@dvcenter.org
www.dvcenter.org

Services: 

• Direct representation of Howard County's victims of domestic violence
• Safe Shelter for battered women and their children
• Advocacy and case management
• Counseling: for victims, children
• They have counseling for victims of sexual assault and abuse who have been abused by a person of the same sex.  Counseling is provided for both gay and lesbian victims of sexual abuse.
• Legal information, representation and court accompaniment
• Community education, prevention programs and outreach

Limitations:

• Persons in need of service should not have current drug issues (should be in recovery)
• Primarily for survivors of domestic violence
• No pets

Helpline and Aid Network for Abused Women (CHANA)

Community Federation of Baltimore

Service Area:
Baltimore County, Howard County & Harford County

Phone:
Hotline:  410-234-0023
Administration:  410-234-0030

Services:

• Legal Services:  some services are free, others are based on a sliding scale
• Education and Community Outreach

Limitations:
Victims whose batterer is Jewish

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.