Our hotline is a safe and secure connection to a trained advocate to assist with the social, emotional, residential and resource needs if you’re impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. This includes options of entering the safe house, legal representation for securing a protective order and other resources to help you immediately and permanently leave an abusive home and feel protected. We’re here 24-hours-a-day at 410-222-6800.
The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Residence is our domestic violence safe house. Here we provide safe shelter in an undisclosed location to individuals and their children who are survivors of abuse. The home accommodates up to 40 residents and provides both shared and private accommodations. Community rooms include the family room, kitchen, children’s play room, counseling offices, computer lab, playground, and more. Basic food, hygiene supplies, bedding, transportation assistance, local phone, and internet service are available to all residents.
You are not alone. We provide all residential clients with case management by a full-time, YWCA-trained Case Manager. The Case Manager works with you to outline your goals, help identify housing, apply for applicable benefits, connect and complete the YWCA 6-week Education Program, provide referral support for counseling and schedule intake with the YWCA Legal Services program, where necessary.
Our Outpatient Counseling Center provides adult and child counseling services. No one situation is the same. We focus on your needs, addressing the trauma, defining characteristics of abuse, exploring the correlation between domestic violence and substance abuse, planning for safety, understanding the effects of domestic violence on children and pregnancy, and trauma specific to sexual assault. We offer individual counseling and group support services. We also offer specialized play and art therapy onsite. Services are provided on a fee-schedule. Referral to additional support services may be provided.
We maintain a relationship with University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC) and we’re onsite, as requested, to provide advocacy during the Sexual Assault Forensics Exam (SAFE). On-site services include referral to YWCA-licensed therapy, referral to legal services through the Sexual Assault Legal Institute and providing clothing or other resources necessary.
YWCA provides legal services to survivors of domestic violence. These services focus on obtaining peace and protective orders for as you seek relief from your abuser(s). Services are available by contacting our Legal Services Department or speaking with an advocate (no appointment required) at Annapolis or Glen Burnie District Courts. A YWCA office is located within each of these courthouses.
Our Abuse Intervention Program responds to those who have abused an intimate partner. The majority of participants are referred or court ordered. This group meets weekly for a minimum of 28 weeks and provides the foundation for taking responsibility for decisions. It’s important to understand the root of the abusive behavior. Many program participants also determine that individual counseling through the Outpatient Counseling Center helps address some of the underlying issues leading to the abuse. The end result is that graduates have a better understanding of what triggers them. Participants feel more confident in making decisions and have a tool-box of alternative methods for effectively relating to their partner and family. We maintain separate sessions for male and female participants in need of this class.
We proudly provide opportunities for local women to connect with other professional women to receive career advice, mentoring and employment opportunities. Many YWCA mentors are honored through the TWIN (Tribute to Women and Industry) Awards program and represent a wide range of industries. For more information and to obtain access to the Mentoring Portal, please contact the YWCA Director of Education at 410-626-7800.