October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Carol Riggles • September 6, 2022

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Intimate partner violence accounts for 15 percent of violent crime in the United States. Approximately one in four women and one in nine men experience intimate partner violence. 


Directly related to the stress and isolation forced during the pandemic, domestic violence cases increased by 25-33 percent globally in 2020 according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 


As alarming as these statistics are, it is widely believed that less than half of all incidents are reported. 


Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It affects people of all races, ages, sexual orientations, religions, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and education levels. It's a universal problem, so why are victims so wary of reporting it? 


The reasons are as varied and complex as the types of abuse that constitute acts of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a serious, sometimes life-threatening, situation, and is about power and control. One partner is controlling the other through a pattern of physical, verbal, financial, and/or mental abuse. Many victims worry that telling the truth will further endanger themselves, their children or other family members. 


A great example of this is portrayed in the Netflix documentary “Mourning Son.” Both the mother and son were threatened and afraid, but neither of them spoke about their fears to each other. The end result was that the mother was murdered and the son went through a downward spiral of depression and substance abuse. 


A true crime series on Discovery + “Fight or Flight” showcases the work of Somy Ali, an 8-year domestic violence victim turned human rights advocate who for the last 15 years has rescued thousands of men, women, and children from domestic violence and sex trafficking through her nonprofit No More Tears. The series highlights the atrocities and trauma victims of abuse endure and their journey from victim to survivor. Viewers go along with Somy in a race against time to extricate victims and help them secure the help and safety they need to rebuild their lives and the seemingly insurmountable hurdles victims face along their journey toward freedom and independence. 


Nearly all abusers deny their crimes which puts the victim in the horrific position of having to tell in great detail all of the events that have occurred, further contributing to their trauma. 


Most domestic violence cases happen in the privacy of a home. Usually, there are no other witnesses, and the only people who know what really happened will give different versions of the same event. More often than not, a domestic violence case pits the word of the alleged victim against that of the defendant, and a jury is asked to figure out which side is telling a version of the story that is closer to the actual truth. 


The question “Why do people stay in abusive relationships?” is often posed to survivors, implying that they are to blame for the abuse. All too often the answer is the lack of resources created by the controlling partner. In so many situations, the victim has not been allowed to have access to employment, friends, extended family and money. Some aren’t even allowed to have a car or a phone! Fear, financial dependency and forced isolation all contribute to the inability of the victim to leave. 


How can we help? 


It’s impossible to know with certainty what goes on behind closed doors, but there are some telltale signs of emotional abuse and domestic violence. If you witness these warning signs of abuse in a friend, family member, or co-worker, take them very seriously. 


People who are being abused may: 

  • Seem afraid or anxious to please their partner 
  • Go along with everything their partner says and does 
  • Check in often with their partner to report where they are and what they’re doing 
  • Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner 
  • Talk about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness 


People who are being physically abused may: 

  • Have frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents.” 
  • Frequently miss work, school, or social occasions, without explanation. 
  • Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (for example, wearing long sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors). 


People who are being isolated by their abuser may: 

  • Be restricted from seeing family and friends. 
  • Rarely go out in public without their partner. 
  • Have limited access to money, credit cards, or the car. 


People who are being emotionally abused may: 

  • Have very low self-esteem, even if they used to be confident. 
  • Show major personality changes (e.g. an outgoing person becomes withdrawn). 
  • Be depressed, anxious, or suicidal. 


If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you’re hesitating by telling yourself that it’s none of your business or that the person might not want to talk about it, keep in mind that expressing your concern will let the person know that you care and may even save their life. 


Talk to the person in private and let them know that you’re concerned. Point out the signs you’ve noticed that worry you. Tell the person that you’re there for them, whenever they feel ready to talk. 


Above all, suggest that they contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788 if they do have access to a phone that isn’t monitored by their abuser. Or suggest they visit https://www.thehotline.org/ for more information and resources. 

Weinberg House Renovation Brings New Life to Senior Living

By Vickie Mills • June 2, 2026
Exciting, the final renovations of the last two units are underway at Weinberg House, a long-standing affordable senior living community in Fredrick, Maryland. Originally built in 1994, the property provided safe, stable housing for older adults for decades. Renovations began on May 1, 2023. At that time, they had a total of 23 units to renovate. The renovations included freshly painted walls, new carpet in the bedrooms, new flooring in the other rooms, new cabinets in the bathroom, as well as new kitchen cupboards, fixtures and new appliances. The final two units will be ready for lease up June 15, 2026. The renovation of Weinberg House represents a meaningful investment in both people and place. By modernizing the property while protecting its mission, this project will help ensure that affordable, welcoming housing remains available for seniors for years to come. It is an encouraging example of how thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen communities and honor the residents who call them home.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce three funding awards during the last quarter from our community partners.

By Rachel Gardner • June 2, 2026
In March 2026, IHA was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Frederick County Government’s Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART). These one-time operational funds were awarded to mitigate the effects of the longest federal government shutdown in history. This grant has allowed IHA to continue providing essential programs and services to Frederick County residents despite challenges at the federal level. IHA was also awarded a $5,000 grant from the City of Frederick through the Community Promotion Grant program. This grant supports aging in place and youth development needs among City residents through IHA’s Supportive Services. The program serves residents of IHA’s senior and multi-family affordable rental communities at 222 Broadway Street (Weinberg House) and 520 N. Market Street, respectively. In April 2026, IHA was also awarded a $25,000 Community Partnership Grant from Frederick County Government. This grant supports IHA’s full range of Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services, including our homeownership and financial education programming. IHA’s Purchase-Repair Program provides an avenue to homeownership for those who otherwise would not qualify for a traditional home loan. In Credit Café, participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp helps participants improve their skills in budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and financial goal setting. The Frederick Affordable Housing Incubator (FAHI) brings multiple sectors together to increase the affordable housing inventory in Frederick County.

36 Years of Building Stability, Opportunity, and Hope

By Lacy Ames • June 2, 2026
For 36 years, the Interfaith Housing Alliance has stood beside individuals and families as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. What began as a mission rooted in compassion and community partnership has grown into an organization that continues to make a lasting impact across our region, helping families find stability, build financial confidence, and create brighter futures. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are not only reflecting on where we have been, but also recognizing the incredible growth, resilience, and innovation that continue to shape IHA today. Over the past 36 years, IHA has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while remaining committed to the same core belief: everyone deserves access to safe housing, financial education, and the opportunity to thrive. Through housing counseling, financial education workshops, community partnerships, and affordable housing initiatives, IHA has empowered thousands of individuals and families with the tools, support, and stability needed to move forward with confidence. Beyond education and counseling services, IHA’s long-standing commitment to affordable housing development has helped create lasting impact throughout the community. Over the years, IHA has developed, built, and managed affordable housing units that have provided safe, stable homes for countless individuals and families. These housing initiatives represent more than buildings, they represent opportunity, dignity, and the foundation for stronger futures. The growth and preservation of affordable housing remains a vital part of IHA’s legacy and ongoing mission. Behind every program, every workshop, and every success story is a community of people who believe in the work we do. Our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters have played an essential role in helping IHA grow over the last three and a half decades. Their dedication and belief in our mission continue to fuel the impact we are able to make every day. Most importantly, we celebrate the individuals and families who have trusted IHA to be part of their journey. Every financial goal reached, every housing challenge overcome, and every moment of renewed confidence is a reminder of why this work matters. As we look ahead, we remain focused on continuing to innovate, educate, and advocate for stronger communities. The need for affordable housing resources and financial empowerment remains as important as ever, and IHA is committed to meeting that need with the same compassion and determination that has defined the organization for the past 36 years.  Thank you for being part of the Interfaith Housing Alliance story. Together, we celebrate 36 years of impact and look forward to the many more lives we will continue to support in the years ahead.
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