A panel of five legal and community experts, all women, addressed issues of domestic violence issues on October 22 at Anne Arundel Community College.

The panel, sponsored by AACC’s Legal Studies Institute, was comprised of Attorney Michelle D. Smith, District Court Supervisor Maria Putzi, Officer Stacey Overbay, Bilingual Client Advocate Mariela Canaviri, and Dean of Student Services Jacqueline S. Jackson.

Although the panel displayed a wide variety of viewpoints on domestic violence, the panelists focused mainly on the legal aspects of the issue.

“[Choosing the panel] was kind of a ripple effect of just asking some questions,” said Mary Bachkosky, legal studies professor at AACC. “And then putting together a panel of people who can provide different aspects of domestic violence support.”

Each panelist spoke for about 15 minutes, to a full house of about 75 people. Michelle D. Smith began the evening with some cold statistics about domestic violence.

“1 in 4 American women experience domestic violence at the hand of their spouse in their lifetime,” said Smith. “15.5 million American kids witness [domestic] violence in their homes each year.”

Smith goes on to explain that as a result of witnessing domestic violence in the home at such an early age, these children can suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, issues with social skills, and turning to alcohol and drugs at an earlier age.

According to the Strangulation Training Institute, strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. Early signs of strangulation can include raspy voice, amnesia, and difficulty breathing and eating. If you know someone who is displaying these symptoms, you should call the police, Smith says.

So why does she stay? This is a question that victims of domestic violence receive every single day. However, it isn’t that simple.

“The bottom line is that we are not walking in her shoes,” said Maria Putzi, District Court Supervisor. “We have to remember that the victim has become isolated by her abuser. Her abuser monitors her behavior, and her family may cut ties with her.”

What can you do to help?

Putzi says the best thing you can do is notice symptoms and ask questions. The worst thing you can do is ignore the signs of domestic violence. Listen without judging. Let her know that all forms of abuse are completely unacceptable.

“[The victim] needs to hear ‘it’s not your fault,’” said Putzi.

Many of the women who are victims of domestic violence in Anne Arundel County end up at the Arden House. The Arden House is a 24/7 safe house at an undisclosed location that offers counseling and legal support for victims of domestic violence. The Arden House also raises awareness for the YWCA, an organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The most important thing you can do to prevent domestic violence is to stay aware. Notice early signs of abuse, ask questions, and listen to victims. Info cards and hotline numbers are available at AACC’s counseling services, located on the second floor of the Student Services Building.