Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. Examples of abuse include: name calling or putdowns, keeping a partner from family or friends, withholding money, stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job, actual or threatened physical harm and sexual assault.

The House Of Ruth Maryland was founded in May of 1977 by a coalition of women's organizations, religious groups, service providers, and elected officials to provide a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and their children. Find out more at www.hruth.org. If you desire to donate "WISH LIST" items or make a financial donation, please contact Terri Wurmser, Program Director at the House of Ruth (410-261-3027) and make your donation. Assess their wish list at http://www.hruth.org/wish-list.asp

Precious Elliott in collaboration with Nowu Nagbe of Ascend International orchestrated a charitable drive to help meet the needs of clients facing domestic violence at the House of Ruth. We also thank Matene Richards for her donation to the Emergency Fund at the House Of Ruth to help one woman meet a pressing need.

Our donations included 10 Care Packages for Women with each one containing 1 Pack of Cotton Panties (Medium), 5 tampons, 1 Bar of Irish Spring Soap, 1 tube of Aquafresh toothpaste, 1 toothbrush, 1 bottle of lotion, 1 deodorant, 1 washcloth, 2 pairs of socks. Items For Babies 100 Size 4 Disposable diapers for babies between 20-37 lbs., 2 cans of 25.7 oz. baby formula, 704 Disposable Baby Wipes Food Items Ramen Noodles, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Juice Boxes and Oatmeal