Help is available to avoid, escape domestic violence

Friday, Dec. 18, 2009

The holiday season brings with it moments of joy and spiritual renewal, but also generally a spike in 911 calls of domestic violence.

St. Mary's sheriff's deputies reported responding last week to seven assaults at residences in the county, including five specifically described as domestic disputes.

The holiday season can be taxing for many individuals and families, the sheriff's office reports, particularly as the nationwide economic crisis leads to lost jobs, home foreclosures and families worried about simply making ends meet. Overindulgence in alcoholic beverages and the heightened irritability can create a "powder keg" ready to ignite, according to sheriff's deputy Cindy Allen.

Spouses or domestic partners concerned about their welfare need not wait for physical violence to occur before seeking help.

"If they sense that there is a potential danger, they can contact the sheriff's office," Allen said this week, and they should call for help, she said, without "any hesitation at all."

The sheriff's office reports that there has been a decrease overall in domestic-violence related calls for service, which is attributed to collaborative initiatives and continued efforts of law enforcement, advocacy groups and a family violence council.

In addition to the 911 phone number to report an emergency, individuals experiencing stress can reach out for help before violent situations occur by contacting one of the many resources within St. Mary's County and Southern Maryland.

Walden Sierra has a 24-hour hotline, 301-863-6661, where individuals can talk with a crisis counselor and arrange emergency shelter.

During normal business hours, people can call the Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy at 301-373-4141, for help in obtaining a protective order. The center will be available 24 hours a day after Jan. 3. Advocates at the center help victims complete necessary paperwork, and provide moral support during court hearings.

In addition, the Community Mediation Center of St. Mary's County, which can be reached at 301-475-9118, brings individuals together in a safe and confidential setting to talk about their differences and concerns.

The Women's Law Center of Maryland provides free legal assistance to victims at 410-534-8800. The organization "A Better Life" also is available to assist victims of domestic violence and stalking, and can be reached at 240-298-5716. Fleet and Family Services provides crisis intervention and counseling for military families, and its number is 301-342-4911.

Uncertainty about finding a safe place to stay may impede victims or potential victims of domestic violence from seeking help, but the sheriff's office reports that shelter is available. Catholic Charities' Angel's Watch Shelter provides emergency lodging for women and children, and its phone number is 301-934-2582. The Three Oaks Shelter provides an emergency shelter for men, women and children, and can be reached at 301-863-9535. Leah's House provides emergency shelter for women and children, and its phone number is 301-994-9580.

People who believe they need assistance, but are unsure of exactly which agency to contact, may begin by calling the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services at 240-895-7000. The agency is available to assist or to make a referral to the organization which best suits an individual's needs.

Sheriff's deputy 1st Class Sarah Russell, the sheriff's domestic violence officer, is available to assist people seeking help, and they can call her at 301-475-4200, ext. 9105. "They can contact the police before anything happens," Russell said. "We can help them create a safety plan if they're in fear."

Hughesville church plans holiday events

Hughesville Baptist Church's adult choir will present a program titled "The Name … Jesus," a Christmas musical celebrating Emmanuel, the King of Kings, during the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday, Dec. 20. The church's Christmas Eve services will be held at 7 and 11 p.m. The church is located at 8501 Old Leonardtown Road in Hughesville. Call 301-884-8645 or 301-274-3672.

Hollywood church announces services for Christmas Eve

Hollywood United Methodist Church will hold two Christmas Eve services, beginning at 6 p.m. with choral presentations and a choral candle lighting service, followed at 8 p.m. with special music including duets. Call 301-373-2500.

Guide offers gift ideas from local farms

The So. Maryland, So Good winter farm guide, "Farms for the Holidays," is a mini-directory of regional farms in St. Mary's, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and Prince George's counties featuring locally grown or produced products and seasonal activities.

The guide offers a "home-grown" alternative to the malls and stores, and is organized by categories of items — including greenery and home decor, gifts, wine, poultry, meat and seafood, winter vegetables and holiday farm events. The guide lists farms with original ideas for gifts, food and family entertainment, as well as locally grown Christmas trees, festive garlands and wreaths. The guide also includes farm-hosted family events featuring live Nativity scenes, "how-to" workshops for holiday decorations, candlelit caroling walks and nature walks through Christmas tree farms.

To view or download "Farms for the Holidays," go to www.somarylandsogood.com and click on "news and media information" for a list of regional sites to pick up a printed copy of the booklet. Call 301-274-1922, send a fax to 301-274-1924, or send e-mail to cbergmark@somarylandsogood.com.

Fire marshal urges caution for holidays

Maryland State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard has urged owners and managers of facilities where people gather for holiday programs to use extra care and caution.

Proper clearance must be maintained in all aisles and exits, and they must not be obstructed by temporary structures, seats or displays. Exit markings, signs and emergency lighting must not be covered or obscured. Before any performance begins, designated emergency exits should be pointed out to the audience. In all places of public assembly, the use of candles and other open flame devices is discouraged.

The fire marshal's office offers an online Crowd Manager Training Program at www.firemarshal.state.md.us. For more information, call 800-525-3124.

Parenting class to begin in January

A parenting course titled "Parenting with Love and Logic" will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and continue through Feb. 16 at Carver Elementary School in Lexington Park.

A version of the course for teachers and educators starts Thursday, Jan. 21, and ends March 4. Both courses will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the enrollment fee is $45.

The program encourages empathy with children but does not shield children from consequences of their actions. It empowers children to solve their problems and helps parents change their behaviors to relieve stress and pressure.

To register, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1800. For more information about the department, go online to www.stmarysmd.com, and click on Recreation and Parks under Citizen Services.

Holiday safety begins on home front

The Maryland state fire marshal's office has issued safety suggestions for people to follow at home during the holidays, ranging from how to prevent problems with Christmas trees to tips on avoiding trouble in the kitchen.

Christmas trees that are freshly cut stay green longer and pose less of a fire hazard, and a tree with high moisture content should hold onto almost all of its needles when the butt end of the tree is tapped on the ground. The needles should bend, not break, and the stump should be sticky with resin. Before setting up the tree, saw two inches diagonally off the butt end and set it in a stand that has a firm base and a large water reservoir. Maintain a continuous supply of water in the reservoir. Avoid setting the tree near heat sources such as radiators, televisions, fireplaces, heating ducts, or a sunny window. Decorative lighting should be stamped as being listed with an approved testing laboratory such as UL, Underwriter's Laboratories. Indoor light sets do not have the weatherproof connections needed for outdoor use, and many outdoor light sets burn too hot for indoor use. Turn off all decorative lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

jwharton@somdnews.com