Domestic violence—also known as intimate partner violence—can take many forms: physical harm, emotional abuse, control, isolation, financial manipulation, and more. It can happen in any relationship, regardless of age, gender, or background.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Help is available—confidentially and without judgment.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can include:
- Physical violence (hitting, pushing, choking)
- Emotional abuse (insults, threats, intimidation)
- Sexual violence (forced or unwanted sexual contact)
- Financial control (withholding money, restricting access to resources)
- Digital abuse (monitoring texts, tracking devices, online harassment)
Warning Signs
Every situation is different, but some common warning signs include:
- A partner who isolates you from family and friends
- Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
- Constant criticism or humiliation
- Threats of harm to you, your children, or pets
- Controlling behavior around money, transportation, or phone use
Local Help Is Available
If you’re in Talbot County and need help, contact:
MidShore Council on Family Violence
8626 Brooks Dr.
Easton, MD 21601
1-800-927-4673 (24/7 Hotline)
mscfv.org
Offers crisis counseling, emergency shelter, legal services, mental health counseling, and support for victims of domestic violence.
For All Seasons, Inc.
300 Talbot Street, Easton, MD 21601
410-820-5600 (24/7 English Hotline)
410-829-6143 (24/7 Spanish Hotline)
forallseasonsinc.org
Offers crisis counseling, emergency shelter referral, legal advocacy, therapy, and support for adults and children impacted by abuse.
State & National Resources
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV)
Statewide coalition offering support, training, and referral tools.
mnadv.org
1-800-MD-HELPS (1-800-634-3577)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 free and confidential support in over 200 languages.
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
thehotline.org
Love Is Respect (for teens and young adults)
A resource for recognizing dating violence and setting boundaries.
Text LOVEIS to 22522
loveisrespect.org
Safety Planning
If you’re thinking about leaving or preparing to leave an abusive relationship, safety planning is essential. A trained advocate can help you:
- Develop a plan for leaving safely
- Pack an emergency bag
- Create strategies for staying safe at home or work
- Document evidence of abuse
- Know your legal options
You can start a safety plan anytime with support from a local advocate or by visiting thehotline.org/plan-for-safety.
Support for Friends & Family
If someone you care about is in an abusive relationship, it can be hard to know what to say or do. Here are a few ways to offer support:
- Listen without judgment
- Believe them—and remind them that the abuse is not their fault
- Don’t pressure them to leave—instead, help them connect to resources
- Stay connected—abuse thrives in silence and isolation
We’re Here to Help
Our Behavioral Health Division is committed to helping survivors of domestic violence access support and reclaim safety. For referrals or to speak with someone who can help:
Talbot County Health Department – Addictions Division
tchd.addictions@maryland.gov