Report the Abuse. In an emergency, always dial 911. Otherwise, report the abuse by calling 1-800-91Prevent (1-800-917-7383) to reach Child Protective Services.

File for a Domestic Violence Protective Order or Peace Order – depending on the child’s relationship to the abuser and the type of abuse, one of Maryland’s versions of Protective or Restraining Orders will apply. Find state specific instructions here. There is no cost for filing either Protective Order.

Understand your child’s rights as a victim. If the perpetrator has been arrested, sign up for Victim Notification to be alerted if and when they are released.

If you relocate or the perpetrator does not know your address, sign up for Maryland Safe at Home, Maryland’s Address Confidentiality Program. The program is more effective after relocation, as it cannot undo existing public records.