DV Court Watch

Court Watch Montgomery: We expand domestic violence victims' access to justice & vital services by reporting data & stories from court.

[MDBayNews @MDBayNews]

MARYLAND — A Maryland appellate ruling is putting a spotlight on what can happen when someone seeking a peace or protective order cannot get the respondent served before the case reaches its hearing date.

Lack of service is not a rare procedural issue. Maryland Judiciary data specifically tracks cases dismissed for that reason; in one statewide reporting period, 12.3% of dismissed or denied peace-order matters were recorded as dismissed for lack of service.

Service matters because it formally puts the respondent on notice and allows the case to proceed. Maryland even requires peace-order petitioners to provide identifying information intended to help law enforcement locate and serve the respondent.

The issue comes as Maryland has already changed related protective-order timelines: legislation effective Oct. 1, 2026 expanded the normal temporary protective-order period from seven to 14 days and moved the deadline for the final hearing accordingly.

The larger question raised by the case: Should someone seeking court protection lose the case because authorities couldn’t find and serve the other person in time?

[The Baltimore Sun @baltimoresun]

A Baltimore Sun analysis found that more than 10,800 domestic violence petitions have been dismissed in Maryland since 2020 because law enforcement failed to serve the accused — a problem that disproportionately affects Baltimore City and County and leaves survivors without legal protection through no fault of their own.

Maryland requires peace orders to be served within 30 days, a shorter window than most other states, and advocates say the strict deadline combined with staffing shortages and evasion tactics forces survivors to restart the process or abandon it entirely, sometimes after years of attempts.

Read more: https://t.co/AgVHUZD7Vp

📸: Kevin Richardson, @baltimoresun

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

If you want to see Court Watch Montgomery in the media, check out this article from the Baltimore Sun about domestic violence rates in Maryland:

https://t.co/gf4AgOji4c

(Please note that this is a temporary link that will work for 30 days)

[The Baltimore Sun @baltimoresun]

A Montgomery County survivor's fight for a protective order reveals gaps in training, enforcement and judicial consistency across the state.

[The Baltimore Sun @baltimoresun]

A Montgomery County survivor's fight for a protective order reveals gaps in training, enforcement and judicial consistency across the state.

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

The Board of Court Watch Montgomery is thrilled to announce that Alana Brown will be our next Executive Director. Alana has more than 10 years’ experience advocating for survivors of domestic violence as a non-profit founder, executive director, and practicing attorney.

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

It's such an honor to be acknowledged and recognized during Women's History Month! Thank you @MoCoWomen!

[Montgomery County Commission for Women @MoCoWomen]

Today, for #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate Lavontte Chatmon, the Executive Director of Court Watch Montgomery @DVCourtWatch

All March, the Montgomery County Commission for Women and @MontWomen will honor the 2025 Women Making History recipients. #WMH2025 #MoCoHerstory

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

Make an Impact for Survivors!

We’re partnering with the @PersonalCareDMV and @MCFJCFoundation to support survivors through advocacy, resources, and vital services. Let’s build a stronger community—together. 💜

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

🎉 Thank you for an incredible #GivingTuesday! 🎉

Haven’t given yet? It’s not too late! We’ve extended the deadline to Friday, Dec 6. Every gift helps us continue our vital work in 2025.

🌟 Donate: https://t.co/yAztYynlxg

#ThankYou #SupportSurvivors #CourtWatchMontgomery

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

🎉 Thank you for an incredible #GivingTuesday! 🎉

Haven’t given yet? It’s not too late! We’ve extended the deadline to Friday, Dec 6. Every gift helps us continue our vital work in 2025.

🌟 Donate: https://t.co/yAztYymNHI

#ThankYou #SupportSurvivors #CourtWatchMontgomery

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

The clock is ticking!

Less than 5 hours left to make a difference for survivors of domestic.

Don’t wait—every contribution counts! Together, we can create a safer community for all.

Donate now: https://t.co/yAztYymNHI

#SupportSurvivors #DomesticViolenceAwareness

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

📢 It’s GivingTuesday!

...and our 2024 Staggered Exit Report is here: https://t.co/nR5P9JguWB!

Your support fuels our mission to advocate for safety, justice, and change.

Let’s amplify safety and justice this #GivingTuesday: https://t.co/yAztYymNHI!

[mocodvcc @mocodvcc]

Thank you @MontCoExec, @MC_Council_Katz and everyone who joined us at the proclamation to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. #DVAM2024 @mcpnews @MCSAONEWS @MoCoWomen @MoCoDHHS @DVCourtWatch

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

Get your tickets NOW!

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

🎤 Join us for a night of laughter & support a great cause! 🎤

🗓️ Sept 6 & 7 | ⏰ 8 PM
📍 16143 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg, MD
🎟️ Get tickets now: https://t.co/GPEx19wuXb

#ComedyForACause #SupportCourtWatch #GiveAHootComedy

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

🎤 Join us for a night of laughter & support a great cause! 🎤

🗓️ Sept 6 & 7 | ⏰ 8 PM
📍 16143 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg, MD
🎟️ Get tickets now: https://t.co/GPEx19wuXb

#ComedyForACause #SupportCourtWatch #GiveAHootComedy

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

Read our report here: https://t.co/jhsCRW8JFk

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

Tune in to The Purple Ribbon Awards Virtual Celebration tomorrow, June 13th, from 5-6 PM EST! Court Watch Montgomery won an award in the category of Annual, Research, or Impact Report of the Year. Register at https://t.co/eTzJjlchuz

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

We're seeking passionate individuals with skills in fundraising, finance, or advocacy to help ensure justice for survivors of intimate partner violence. Apply now!
https://t.co/9IoB87ycf8

#BoardRecruitment #Nonprofit #CourtWatchMontgomery

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

Thanks to your generosity and kindness, we raised an amazing $8,570 to further our cause. Your contributions will make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! #Grateful #DoMore24 #MakingADifference

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

It's not too late!
https://t.co/EnDyw4aIKw

[DV Court Watch @DVCourtWatch]

Tomorrow, seize the opportunity to help Court Watch Montgomery do more for domestic violence victims by contributing during the Do More 24 online giving event. https://t.co/YnwXrcuVm6
#DoMore24 #CourtWatchMontgomery #EmpowerJustice