2024 CWM Staggered Exit Report
“Remember – leaving your [abuser] is the most dangerous time.” This warning to victims of domestic violence appears on a page of safety tips offered by the People’s Law Library of Maryland, a website maintained by an agency of the Maryland Judiciary (People’s Law, 2022). Domestic violence service providers across the country feature similar warnings on their websites, advising victims to make a thorough safety plan before leaving an abuser.
For victims who seek a protective order from the court, safety planning must address the likelihood of encountering their abuser at a protective order hearing, including on their way into or out of the courthouse (WomensLaw.org, 2019). While safety planning by victims is crucial, courts are also obligated to provide a safe and respectful courthouse environment so that vulnerable individuals who need protection will feel comfortable seeking that protection from the judicial system.
Court Watch 2023 Yearly Protective Order Outcomes Report
In 2023, nearly 25,000 domestic violence final protective order hearings were held in Maryland courts, including almost 3,000 in Montgomery County (Maryland Courts, 2023). Protective orders were granted in less than half of these hearings, with the rest denied or dismissed. This data suggests that some victims may not be getting the full protections needed, including the mandatory protection against gun possession by their abuser. Protective orders are vital tools for reducing or stopping domestic violence when paired with a strong safety plan and proper enforcement.
Court Watch Montgomery announces leadership transition
President of the Court Watch Montgomery Board John Ford announced today that Laurie Duker, who co-founded Court Watch in 2010, will be stepping down as Executive Director and assisting with the transition to a new Executive Director over the next six months. “Although it was a very difficult decision to step down,” said Duker, “I’m […]
New laws take effect in Maryland today!
New laws take effect in Maryland today which were passed by the legislature in the winter/spring 2019 season in Annapolis. Many impact domestic violence victims: Firearms New firearms laws allow the prosecution of anyone loaning a gun to someone known to be legally barred from possessing them or when it is known the gun will […]
When courts are closed
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Upcoming domestic violence webinars
Two upcoming domestic violence webinars: Domestic violence and technology: New international research and resources for practice Wednesday, October 9, 2019 / 2:00-3:30pm CDT Content: Dr. Molly Dragiewicz and Dr. Bridget Harris will present recommendations for future research, policy and practice on technology and domestic violence based on the first Australian study focused on survivors’ experiences of technology-facilitated coercive […]
While we were sleeping
In case you missed this, (because we did), it’s important to note that the Trump Administration changed the definitions of domestic violence and sexual assault when no one was watching, in April or 2018. Although the Office of Violence Against Women is claiming the new definitions won’t affect what interventions they fund, the move is […]
Victim brain injury: new screening tools
Researchers now estimate that 90% of people with a history of interpersonal violence have signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury. These injuries, which often include depression, impaired problem-solving ability, and difficulty concentrating, all put victims at risk for continued abuse and can make it harder to leave abusive relationships. The treatment of brain-injured domestic […]
Kudos to the judge
Kudos to the judge at District Court who recently: Okayed a respondent’s request to go put money in his parking meter, saying, “Sure. I don’t want you to get a ticket. That’s $40.” In a separate case, expressed concern at the beginning of a hearing that the respondent had been speaking with the petitioner prior […]
Are County police documenting domestic violence incidents?
Are Montgomery County police documenting domestic violence incidents when they respond to a 911 call? Court Watch recently obtained alarming data on domestic violence 911 calls from the Montgomery County Police Department. We were extremely surprised by the large percentage of calls for which no report was written. In 2018, there were 2,029 emergency 911 […]