Program areas at YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Maryland
Domestic violence shelter (weinberg residence) provides secure housing to individuals who have been victims of domestic violence and their children. The house provides food, lodging, transportation, laundry facilities, a recreational area, access to legal services and access to counseling. The shelter is the only domestic violence safe house in Anne Arundel County.
Counseling provides confidential therapeutic support in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault and general counseling. The department provides support to women, men, children and families who are generally primary or secondary victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Support groups and outreach services are also offered.
Domestic violence legal services provides advocacy and legal representation through the process of obtaining peace and protective orders for victims of domestic violence. This department also provides referral information to victims surrounding community-based support services.
Sexual assault services focus on outreach to those who have been victims of sexual assault including hospital accompaniment. Trained professionals accompany victims and assist them through the process of the safe exam and being referred to community resources including counseling, legal and others, as appropriate.
The organization also offers the community abuser intervention program which provides intensive instruction to those who have a history of being abusive and are working to identify means of more effectively interacting with others and responding to frustration. This is a 28-week series, generally court mandated, serving both men and women. The courses focus on taking responsibility for their actions and then identifying methods of opportunity building. The series ends with a certification for those who have completed the sessions.
Regional connectivity to resources, education and best practices in victim services program helps prevent, prepare and respond to the coronavirus. The program allows the region of Anne Arundel County, baltimore County, baltimore city and the eastern shore to address the immediate and future needs for covid-19 through the development of online resource platforms to support victims and victim service providers.