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 On Tuesday, I had the honor of being keynote speaker at Take Back the Night, a rally against sexual assault hosted by TurnAround, Inc. I wish we didn't need to host events like these. Sadly, too many of our friends and neighbors are scarred for life by acts of sexual violence. Victims cross all lines of age, race, religion, and class. Unfortunately, less than half of all victims even report these crimes. According to national statistics, only 47% of sexual assaults are reported to police.
Nearly everyone knows someone who has been a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence; however, there is little public dialogue about this issue. Tuesday's event brought together survivors, counselors, police officers, and others dedicated to eliminating sexual violence from our society. I am grateful for the work they do every day to support victims of crime, but that is not enough.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to supporting our police and prosecutors with their efforts to prevent these horrible crimes and punish the people who commit them. The Police Department's Sex Offense Unit is responsible for investigating all sexual offenses involving victims thirteen and older. In 2009, the Sex Offense Unit handled 492 reported cases of sexual assault. 70.5% of the rape cases resulted in an arrest and were cleared-well over the national clearance rate of 41%.
Officers and detectives in the unit use the latest technology to apprehend suspects. By employing advanced forensics, these dedicated public servants can ensure perpetrators are taken off the streets. For example, in a case assigned to detectives last year, the suspect forced entry into the victim's home and forcibly raped her and cut her throat. During the investigation, A DNA sample was taken, and the suspect was identified through quick investigative work utilizing modern technology. The suspect is now incarcerated, and is the suspect in two rape cases in Virginia as a result of the DNA match from the 2009 Baltimore case.
In April of 2008, the Baltimore City Police Department discovered that there were 1604 open domestic violence warrants. In an effort to improve domestic violence warrant service, the Department created a dedicated Domestic Violence Warrant Squad. In 2008, this squad cleared 766 warrants and arrested 596 individuals (some who had multiple warrants). In 2009, the squad cleared 814 warrants and arrested 698 individuals.
Last year, domestic violence related homicides reached an all time low. In 2008, there were 13 domestic violence related homicides; in 2009, there were only four. Year to date, there has not been a single homicide related to domestic violence. This is a sign of great progress for the city.
To help increase awareness of sexual violence and implement effective strategies to eliminate it, the Mayor's Office on Criminal Justice (MOCJ) secured funding for programs the Police and our partners can implement in our communities. Recently, MOCJ received a grant to implement a lethality assessment program, in partnership with the Baltimore Police Department and the Maryland House of Ruth. This initiative trains police officers to screen victims of domestic violence to determine their risk of lethality and connect those at risk to the House of Ruth to gain access to needed services.
Additionally, MOCJ was awarded grant funding to plan and implement a Supervised Visitation Pilot Program. The program will provide monitored supervision of parental visitation and custodial exchanges for families experiencing domestic violence in order to ensure child and family safety and prevent re-victimization. We can keep families connected while breaking the cycle of violence and reducing re-victimization.
Two of our partners in the fight against domestic violence are Turnaround, Inc. and the House of Ruth. They provide assistance and support to victims of violence and their families. If you or someone you love is in need, please contact them.
Working together, we can continue to stamp out domestic violence and make Baltimore better, safer, and stronger. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Sebastian Russo Memorial Award Nominations
The Baltimore City Health Department is soliciting nominations of healthcare providers who have made significant contributions to their field and to the city by providing dedicated and compassionate service to low-income individuals and families. Any medical doctor, nurse, physician's assistant or other health professional practicing in Baltimore City may be nominated for the award. The deadline for nominations is May 28. To learn more, visit www.baltimorehealth.org/russoaward. |
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Board of School Commissioners Recruitment
The Maryland State Board of Education is seeking candidates to serve on the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, the body responsible for raising the level of academic achievement for Baltimore City Public School System students, and improving management and administration. For more information, visit www.marylandpublicschools.org. |
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Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar The 33rd annual Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar opens for the season on Sunday, May 2. Shop for the region's freshest produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and more. The bazaar returns with unique crafts and collectibles. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets under the Jones Falls Expressway, is open every Sunday from May 2 through December 19 from 7:00 am until sell out, approximately noon.
For more information the Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. |
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LGBTQIA Candle Light Vigil Friday, April 30, 7:00 pm
Trans-United and it's allies will host a candle light vigil to address hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexed, and androgynous people. The vigil will begin at Mt. Royal and North Avenue with a six-block march, and end at Maryland and North Avenue.
For more information, call 410-332-0234. |
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Federal Hill's Spring Fever Sidewalk Sale Saturday, May 1, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Find bargains galore in the 800-1200 blocks of Light and Charles Streets, and on Cross Street as participating businesses offer special discounts and treats.
For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org or call 410-727-4500. |
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Vollmer Center Grand Opening at Cylburn Arboretum Saturday, May 1, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Vollmer Center and the reopening of Cylburn Arboretum. Enjoy a day of FREE family events after the ribbon cutting and dedication. Cylburn Arboretum is located at 4915 Greenspring Avenue.
For more information call 410-396-7900. |
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Olympia Brown at First Unitarian Church Sunday, May 2, 11:00 am
Actress Janet Bowering recreates suffragist Olympia Brown. This event, including drama, readings from the world's religions, mass choir and interreligious prayer will be held at First Unitarian Church, on the corner of Charles and Franklin Streets. All are welcome.
For more information, email office@firstunitarian.net, call 410-685-2330, or visit http://tinyurl.com/OlympiaBrown. |
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Every Diabetic Counts Wednesdays in May, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Diabetes education classes will be held at the Druid Heights Community Development Corporation (2140 McCulloh Street) Wednesdays in May.
For more information or to register, call 410-523-1350. |
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Spring Dance Performance May 6-7, 7:00 pm
The Baltimore School for the Arts Spring Dance performance will include jazz in the style of Bob Fosse and excerpts from Igor Stravinsky's ballet Pulcinella. Performances will be at the Baltimore School for the Arts Schaefer Ballroom, 712 Cathedral Street. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students.
For more information visit www.bsfa.org. |
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JHU School of Nursing Health Fair Friday, May 7, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Come receive FREE health information, screenings, and immunizations including H1N1 and seasonal flu. The fair is hosted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, in partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department, and will be held at 2101 East Monument Street.
For more information, email source@jhsph.edu or call 410-955-3880. |
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Buying Into Baltimore Homebuying Fair & Neighborhood Tours Saturday, May 8, 9:00 am-2:00 pm
You invited to learn about responsible homebuying, Baltimore City neighborhoods, and homebuying financial incentives. This housing fair and neighborhood tour event will raise awareness of affordable properties in the City of Baltimore. All are welcome; admission is free.
You are encouraged to pre-register at www.livebaltimore.com/bib or call 410-637-3750 for more information. |
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MECU's Pee Wee Preakness Tuesday, May 11, 11:30 am
Children ages 10 and under have fun with their own Preakness race, arts and crafts projects, games, mascots and more. The event is FREE and open to the public. Area daycare centers, schools and recreation centers should register children by Friday, May 7, 5:00 pm. To sign up for MECU's Pee Wee Preakness e-mail ttharrington@promotionandarts.com.
For more information visit www.promotionandarts.com or call 877-225-8466. |
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Employ-ABLE Disabilities Career Fair Friday, May 14, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
This Disabilities Career Fair and World of Possibilities Expo is open to all job seekers. Employers representing a variety of positions will be on hand. Professional dress required. Bring sufficient resumes. Admission to the Expo is $3.00, however, there is no fee for individuals who pre-register for the Job Fair or who show a resume at the entrance to the Expo! If special accommodation is needed, please make it known on the registration form.
For more information go to www.caringcommunities.org. |
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