Governor O'Malley Addresses the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence 20th Annual Memorial Service

Press Release

Governor O'Malley Addresses the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence 20th Annual Memorial Service

Governor Martin O'Malley today addressed the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence 20th Annual Memorial Service, and pledged to continue an intensified statewide effort to put an end to domestic violence in Maryland.

"The most fundamental responsibility that any Government has to its people is to safeguard the lives of our citizens and to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and our communities - and that starts in the home," said Governor O'Malley. "With groups like the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, who are devoted to ending this cycle of violence, we can protect the priorities of our people. We can put a stop to this ever increasing threat that is ripping apart our communities."

During his remarks, Governor O'Malley, announced proposed legislation that would require the removal of firearms when a protective order is issued. This would make Maryland's law consistent with Federal law.

The number of domestic violence crimes has increased dramatically over the past four years, from 18,904 incidents in 2002, to 21,965 incidents in 2006. Last year in Maryland, 30 adults and 13 children were killed as a result of domestic violence. Twenty of the adult female victims were killed by their current or former intimate partners, and 4 of the adult male victims were killed by current or former intimate partners.

The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence has been working since 1980 to eliminate domestic violence in Maryland through education, training, and advocacy. The Memorial Service heightens awareness of domestic violence, remembers the women, men, and children who have died, and highlights the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence's annual legislative agenda. As Maryland's state coalition, the Network works together with local domestic violence programs as well as criminal justice and law enforcement personnel, legal advocates, health care and social service providers, clergy, educators, businesses, community groups, and concerned individuals to promote a coordinated community response to end domestic violence.

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