Upper Marlboro, MD – The Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Services Division, in partnership with the Office of the State's Attorney, held an Interfaith Collaborative Domestic Violence Training for approximately 170 attendees at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, MD on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. The purpose of the event was to provide faith based leaders, non-profit and advocacy providers with knowledge on the dynamics of intimate partner violence, how to identify red flags, and resources for victims and survivors.

“We must bring an end to these horrific and tragic deaths at the hands of abusers. Domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has affects family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community at large. We must come together and address the underlying issues of intimate partner violence, and ensure that victims know that there are resources to help them safely leave their situation,” said County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.

The training was the third Interfaith Collaborative Domestic Violence Training held in Prince George’s County since March of last year. To date, more than 200 pastors have attended the trainings that have included topics such as the characteristics of perpetrators, why victims stay in abusive relationships, the effects of strangulation, and the impact on children and families.

“Domestic Violence is manifested in many ways,” said Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Angela D. Alsobrooks. “We understand that not all issues within our families can be solved in a police station or courthouse, so we have reached out to our faith community in an effort to get into the family homes before it’s too late.”

In 2014, nineteen (19) of the County’s fifty-four (54) homicides were domestic in nature, while last year thirteen (13) homicides were as a result of domestic violence. So far this year, there have been eight domestic violence related murders. The Department of Family Services opened its Housing Resource Center (HRC) in July 2015, a safe place for survivors to gain access to resources that are essential to fulfilling their safety plan. Through advocacy and support, the HRC assists survivors and their families with navigating the housing system, safety planning, relocation assistance, and collaborating with other human service agencies, community partners and providers.

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