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                                  Domestic Violence Article

Maryland Domestic Violence Laws

 As of October 1992, an expanded civil protection law makes it easier for victims of domestic violence to get the help they need. They can apply to the courts for protection, temporary custody, counseling, financial support and/or a "vacate the home order." 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE ?

• A current or former spouse. 
•  An individual who has a child in common with the abuser (even if not married and living separately). 
• A cohabitant - someone who has lived with the abuser as a sexual partner in the same home for at least  90 days during the past year. 
• A person related to the abuser by blood, marriage or adoption. 
• A parent, step-parent, child or step-child who has lived with the victim or abuser for at least 90 days within the past year. 
• A vulnerable adult -someone who lacks the physical or mental capacity to provide for his/her own daily needs. 

WHAT IS ABUSE ? 
1. An act that causes serious bodily harm.
2. An act that places another in fear of imminent serious bodily harm.
3. Abuse of a child.
4. Assault (threat) - the threat of harm with the ability to carry it out. 
5. Assault (physical contact) - unpermitted touching, direct or indirect. It does not require any physical injury. Shoving, kicking, slapping, choking or hitting someone with an object are examples of assault. 
6. Rape or sexual offense or attempted rape or sexual offense. In Maryland, a husband can be convicted of raping his wife. 
7. False imprisonment - keeping someone in a place against his or her will. 
8. Abuse of a vulnerable adult.


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 How and where to get help . . . . 

The process involves two hearings before a judge. 

STEP ONE:THE EX PARTE HEARING

You can apply by yourself for a Petition for Protection in either the District or the Circuit Court in the county in which you live. 
The domestic violence program at 301-334-9000 can also help you fill out the papers and guide you through this process. 
 

The Clerk of the Court will give you several forms to complete: 

• Petition for Protection - Your statement to the judge, giving information about the abuser and the most recent incident of abuse, as well as past incidents of abuse. If you do not want the abuser to know your whereabouts, you do not need to provide your address. 
• Ex Parte Order and Protective Order - To be completed by the judge. You will only write your name and the abuser's name on these forms.
• Financial Statement - If you are asking for financial support from the abuser, you need to complete this form and return it to the court at the second hearing. 
You will see a judge the same day you file the Petition. If the judge finds reasonable grounds to believe that there has been abuse, s/he will sign a temporary Ex Parte Order. 

The Ex Parte Order can grant you temporary custody of your children and order the abuser to: 

• refrain from abuse. 
•  stop harassing you, or to cut off all contact with you. 
•  stay away from your home, workplace and/or your children's school. 
•  move out of the house, if you are living together and: 
•  married, or 
•  your name is on the lease or deed, or 
• you have lived together in a sexual relationship for at least 90 days within the past year. 
The judge will schedule a Protective Order hearing, to be held within 7 days. 

The Ex Parte Order becomes effective the minute it is served on the abuser by a law enforcement officer. 
 

 This copy of the Ex Parte Order tells the abuser the place and time of the second hearing. 

 STEP TWO:THE PROTECTIVE ORDER HEARING

At this hearing, the abuser may also be present. This hearing is usually an informal one. However, either party may choose to bring an attorney. If the abuser has been served and chooses not to attend this hearing, you may request a full Protective Order. 

The judge can enter a Protective Order if the abuser consents to the Order, or if s/he finds by clear and convincing evidence that abuse has occurred. Be sure to show the judge any evidence you have to support your accusations (photos, medical reports, witnesses, etc.). 

In addition to the relief granted in the Ex Parte Order, the judge may also order: 
 

• Temporary visitation with your children (keeping in mind your safety and that of your children). 
•  Financial support if you are married to or have children with the abuser. 
•  Use and possession of a vehicle you share with the abuser if you need it for work and/or care of your children. Your name must be on the title. 
•  Counseling. 


  All the relief granted under a Protective Order may not exceed 200 days. 

  WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ABUSER VIOLATES THE ORDER ? 

If the abuser violates any part of the Order, you can notify the court in writing and/or file a complaint with the District Court Commissioner. The police are mandated to arrest an abuser if he violates an order by reabusing or contacting you or entering your residence or workplace. 

The offender is subject to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, if convicted.