ROCKVILLE, Md. – Victims of domestic abuse need to get away from their abusers and take advantage of community resources that can help them, Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy says.
“Domestic violence is about control,” says Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
The issue of domestic violence is back in the spotlight after Tuesday’s murder of Heather Lynn McGuire of Kensington.
McGuire had a restraining order against her estranged husband, Philip Joseph Gilberti, a man with a long record of domestic abuse. Gilberti shot McGuire in the head as she rode in a car with him. He dumped her body on Connecticut Avenue and killed himself hours later after police launched a massive manhunt for him.
McCarthy, Montgomery County’s top prosecutor, says abuse victims must try to get out from underneath the control of their abusers.
“That’s an essential step in providing ultimate safety from yourself,” he says.
However, McCarthy says, that isn’t easy.
For help, McCarthy suggests victims contact county centers that can work to help them find independence and break-free from their abusers safely.
In Montgomery County, the can help.
On its website, the FJC has safety plans for people who have recently taken out protective orders. The site also has guidelines for what to do after an abuser is arrested, as well as plans to help a victim who is living her abuser.
Resources for domestic violence victims:
D.C.
- : DCCADV’s membership organizations provide support for domestic violence victims, survivors, and their families for a wide range of areas. Find domestic violence resources : Provides professional counseling for clients without insurance coverage. 8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 600, Silver Spring, Md. 20910 — 301-495-3733.
- Sexual Assault Center Prince George’s Hospital: 3001 Hospital Drive, Cheverly, Md. 20785 — 24 Hour Hotline: 301-618-3154 or 301-618-3162
Fairfax County
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草莓传媒’s Darci Marchese contributed to this report. Follow and on Twitter.
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