Upper
Marlboro, MD… Members of the Prince George’s County
Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) joined Governor
Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown at the Maryland Network Against
Domestic Violence (MDNAVD) 26th Annual Memorial Service Monday night
in Annapolis.
In
a moving and solemn ceremony, members of the Sheriff’s Domestic Violence
Intervention Division stood with Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown and
citizens and family members of those lost. They each held a candle to symbolize
each life, as they stood against the backdrop of a heart that contained the
names of each of the victims.
“Any life lost is one too many,” said Michaele
Cohen, Executive Director of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
(MNADV). “But, we celebrate the survivors and focus attention on changing laws
to reduce domestic violence, improve victim safety and providing greater abuser
accountability.”
During the Service a survivor of domestic violence
spoke about her experiences escaping a violent relationship. She thanked the Prince
George’s County Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Assistants for their help -
accompanying her during court processes and assisting her with her transition
to the House of Ruth.
“Each
year when I attend this beautiful memorial, it reminds me of why I do this work
and helps me to keep focus,” said Barbara Harvard, a Domestic Violence SVA in
the Sheriff’s Office.
Lieutenant
Colonel Regina Taylor, Bureau Chief of Field Operations said “The Maryland
Network’s Candlelight Vigil is a sad tribute to the victims of Domestic
Violence, but I am heartened by the attendance of the Governor and Lt.
Governor, and other state officials and legislators who continue to strengthen laws
that provide protection, safety, and hope to victims.
For
more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at
301-780-7354.
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