Heartly House, Inc., has been serving victims of intimate partner abuse, rape/sexual assault, and child abuse for over 40 years. We also serve secondary victims such as family members, spouses, friends, and significant others. Anyone supporting a victim of abuse who needs support or guidance can receive services at Heartly House.
All services are confidential except in cases of reportable child abuse and threats homicide or suicide. Heartly House services are voluntary. Our clients make the decision regarding whether or not to access our services. Our goal is to provide support, options and referrals.
Heartly House Services:
24-Hour Hotline/Crisis Intervention
Our 24-Hour Hotline is available 7 days per week.
Counseling
Counseling Services include crisis appointments, ongoing counseling, and support groups. We generally offer three different groups on topics such as Breaking the Cycle for Domestic Violence Victims, Sexual Assault Support, and Adults Molested as Children. We create other groups as different needs arise.
Legal Services
Our Legal Services include an on-site attorney and Victim Advocates. The staff attorney offers direct representation for Protective and Peace Order hearings in District and Circuit Court. The staff attorney also provides representation for a limited number of family law cases, depending on financial eligibility. Victim Advocates provide support, accompaniment to civil and criminal hearings, safety planning, referrals, hospital accompaniments and information on courthouse protocol.
Emergency Shelter
Emergency Shelter is available for victims of intimate partner abuse who are in IMMEDIATE DANGER. Our shelter is handicap accessible. Through connections, we may be able to make arrangements to shelter family pets while clients reside in our emergency shelter, however this service is not guaranteed.
Referrals
Referrals to other organizations in the community for resources such as the Frederick Rescue Mission, Way Station, Project 103, Cold Weather Shelter, Law Enforcement, Frederick Memorial Hospital, Maryland Hospital Association, Department of Social Services and Community Action Agency.
Abuse Intervention Program
Abuse Intervention Program – We currently offer two 26-session groups for men. We have held groups for female abusers when the need arises. Because we have no funding for this service, a flat $30 fee per group is charged.
Medical Accompaniments for SAFE Exams
Heartly House provides Medical Accompaniments for Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE) at Frederick Memorial Hospital. This is a 24-hour service. Heartly House Advocates have received special training in handling sexual assault cases and will support rape/sexual assault victims throughout the SAFE exam process.
Outreach and Education
Our Community Educator provides Outreach and Education for a large variety of groups and different size audiences such as schools, colleges, and universities; social clubs such as the Lions and Moose clubs; churches; professional agencies; and private organizations. Heartly House tailors each presentation to the needs of the organization and will present on topics such as Heartly House services, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, bullying prevention, elder abuse, etc. Presentations are geared toward the age and knowledge-base of the audience.