Community Advocates

Because shelter space is limited and counseling and legal assistance can only begin to scratch the surface for someone trying to escape or rebuild their life after a life of abuse, the House Of Ruth Maryland Community Advocates are there to provide short-term supportive services.

Skilled in a number of areas, including housing, employment, and benefits, staff can often assist domestic violence victims with the "secondary" issues they are confronted with. Advocates are resourceful in seeking answers to problems that seem hopeless.

Too often we hear about financial dependence or lack of a support network which can make a victim feel hopeless, as if there are no options. Advocates try to navigate the systems necessary to help her see there are options and that there's hope.

Sometimes an advocate will simply accompany a victim to appointments or to court, which is all that's needed to get her on the road to freedom from abuse. The road may sometimes be long and hard, but the feedback we get from victims who have made it safely on their own, most definitely tells us it's worth it.

If you would like to talk to an advocate about your options (i.e., safety planning, housing, etc.) please call (410) 554-8493.