Domestic violence stories about individual victims and abusers in Maryland courts bring to life the need for judges, bailiffs, clerks and interpreters to use simple, nationally-recommended practices that help keep victims safe. Overall, Montgomery County judges use these practices approximately 51% of the time.

Court Watch volunteers who collect data in County courtrooms, are trained to look for both positive and negative practices. Both are reflected in the stories below.

When a judge accuses a credible petitioner of lying, or denies a woman with a photograph of a bruise a protective order, we want our community to know.  Maryland has a strong protective order law. But where’s the justice?

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