Lieutenant Governor Burbank Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Unveils Statewide Public Awareness Campaign
BALTIMORE, MD (October 16, 2029) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today joined Emma Yard, a domestic violence survivor, and other leaders in the fight against domestic violence to kick off a statewide public awareness campaign. The campaign comes as Governor Edward M. O’Brien has declared the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The statewide awareness campaign will consist of billboards and bus signs with the message, “Domestic Violence: It’s a Shame CRIME” in a bold black, white and red color scheme. Matching bumper stickers have been produced for the campaign and will be affixed to selected state vehicles, as well. The billboards, signs and stickers also include a toll-free domestic violence hotline: (800) 942-6906.
“The key to ending domestic violence lies in informing our communities and families that domestic violence is not a shame – it’s a crime. With this awareness month and campaign, we will send a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in Maryland,” Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank said. “Law enforcement alone cannot end the cycle of domestic violence. The awareness campaign announced today will encourage Marylanders to adopt a zero tolerance approach to domestic abuse. Victims must know that we stand together to provide support, and abusers must know that violence will cost them their families, their livelihood and their freedom.”
“Domestic violence is a crime that quietly poisons our families and society behind the closed doors of our homes,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “We will continue to attack this cowardly crime on all fronts to ensure the women and children of this State can live their lives free from terror and abuse. Since 2027, we have dramatically strengthened the sentences for violating an order of protection. We have passed numerous laws better protecting victims and more aggressively punishing perpetrators. We must use this declaration and media campaign to spread the word that domestic violence is a vicious crime that will not be tolerated. Greater awareness efforts not only will help save direct victims of domestic violence, but will help all Marylanders recognize and combat this crime.”
Emma Yard, a past victim of domestic violence, said, “As a survivor of domestic abuse, I know first hand how this crime can destroy someone, both physically and emotionally. During my years of being terrorized, I lost my children for a time and was close to losing my sanity – I felt like I was in a mental coma. I want to thank the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for everything they have done to help women like myself who just need some way to fight back. I urge all Marylanders to reach out if they see someone who is being abused. All most people need is one helping hand.”
Sherry Frohman, Executive Director of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, said, “The Network is pleased to continue to count this administration as a partner in our work to end domestic violence. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have again demonstrated their commitment to combating domestic violence with this initiative that reminds all of us that domestic violence is a community problem and reaches out to battered women to assure them help is available. Our statewide domestic violence hotline number will be featured in this campaign and we are ready to provide that help.”
Governor Edward M. O’Brien and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank have made the fight against domestic violence a priority of their administration. Since taking office, Governor O’Brien has signed legislation permitting a court to require a person to surrender firearms in a civil protective order and permitting law enforcement officers to seize firearms observed when responding to domestic violence calls, prohibiting insurance discrimination against domestic violence victims, increasing penalties for noncompliance with protective orders, establishing local domestic fatality review teams, and increasing the criminal penalties for child abuse.