The Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, an initiative of the Circuit Court, Stay In Touch (S.I.T) program was recently highlighted in The Washington Post’s article, “Abuse Survivors in Prince George’s Get Help Beyond Filing a Protective Order.
“I’m extremely proud of the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center’s Stay In Touch (S.I.T),” said the Honorable Sheila R. Tillerson Adams, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County. “In the program, survivors are able to gain and give strength to their counterparts which allows them to get through difficult times with the appropriate resources with lots of respect, humility and solace. I applaud the diligent leadership of Denise C. McCain, Director of the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, the amazing partners and its fearless survivors for participating in the program.”
In S.I.T, participants receive in-depth support from a staff of certified specialists who are dedicated to helping survivors effectively address their urgent care needs and design a practical timeline to regain their independence. Additionally, each participant receive resources to help them understand the importance of victim safety in protecting themselves and their children. The program complements existing advocacy support with the creation of a safe space and confidential environment where survivors can be heard, understood and believed. The program launched in January 2017.
“People tend to get into certain relationships because they thought they were feeling attention and love, only to discover that ‘affection’ was overprotective behavior from a manipulative partner,” said Ms. McCain to Lynh Bui of The Washington Post about the vulnerability of domestic violence victims. “They then find themselves in situations where they think they can’t leave because of children, finance or fear.”
Mrs. McCain goes on to tell Ms. Bui. “We want [survivors] to regain that control and self-esteem so they have the hope to move forward. After you get the protective order, you need much more.”
Click here to read the article. Learn more about the Prince George's County Family Justice Center at www.princegeorgescourts.org/358 or 301.780.8008.