Rep. Elfreth Hosts Maryland DV Roundtable

More than one in three women and one in six men experience intimate partner violence, stalking, or harassment during their lifetimes, according to statistics cited by Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. She used those figures to open a roundtable discussion held on October 28 in Severn, Maryland. The event marked the second such convening for the MD-03 representative during her first term in office. The gathering took place during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and focused on identifying effective solutions for local communities.

Elfreth has prioritized legislative action and federal funding for sexual assault and domestic violence in her initial year. Her office stated that the roundtable allowed partners to discuss current strategies and brainstorm new approaches. The congresswoman emphasized her commitment to delivering resources to nonprofits and introducing legislation that expands proven intervention methods nationwide. She described the goal as ensuring everyone is safe from intimate partner violence through targeted policy changes.

The event brought together a diverse group of organizations and health experts. Attendees included representatives from the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Other participants came from TurnAround, Ujima: National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel, and Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s DV Program. Each group represented different aspects of the response to domestic violence, from direct services to academic research.

Speakers addressed the public health dimension of the crisis. Kamila A. Alexander, PhD, MPH, RN, Associate Professor and Director of the BRAVE Center at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, stated that investment in science is imperative to reduce violence and its generational consequences. She urged the implementation of programs based on comprehensive research data. Amanda K. Rodriguez, Esq., CEO of TurnAround, noted that survivor support must extend beyond moments of public attention. Jennifer Pollitt Hill, Executive Director of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, praised Elfreth for keeping the issue a priority for policymakers.

Jacquelyn Campbell, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN, FAAN, Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, outlined a three-tier prevention strategy. She identified primary prevention work with children who witness violence, secondary prevention to help those experiencing or using violence early, and tertiary prevention for severe cases. Lisae C. Jordan, Esquire, Executive Director & Counsel of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, thanked Elfreth for protecting federal funding for sexual assault survivors from political disputes. Molly Knipe, CEO of the YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, described Elfreth as a true partner in improving outcomes for survivors.

Elfreth’s legislative record includes securing $697,000 in federal funding in January for the YWCA’s Rapid Rehousing and Abuser Intervention Program. That money supports domestic violence prevention, education, and rehousing resources in Maryland’s Third District. In February, she introduced the bipartisan Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act. The bill would authorize a national center to promote lethality assessment programs. These programs help law enforcement identify high-risk victims and connect them immediately with local services. The Department of Justice recognizes lethality assessment as a promising practice for preventing intimate partner homicides.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Elfreth secured provisions in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation includes $10 million for a modern data management system for Harmful Behavior Prevention programs in the military. It also strengthens the Military Protective Order process by requiring commanders to decide requests within three calendar days. The act mandates written notification to requesters within two days of a denial. Elfreth has hosted 12 roundtables with local stakeholders this year, covering topics such as education, veterans issues, and child care.