“In Remembrance of Lives Lost to Domestic Violence in Maryland”

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) 26^th 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.

                                                                     ###