(Annapolis, Md. — Dec. 3, 2008) The Maryland Court of Appeals will host the House Of Ruth Maryland’s traveling exhibit on domestic violence, “A Line in the Sand,” which will be open to the public Dec. 8-29 at the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building, 361 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis.

“A Line the Sand” is a 2,000-square-foot photographic exhibit chronicling the state’s fight against domestic violence, and features interpretive portraits of more than 20 leaders in this effort. Subjects include Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Maryland Court of Appeals, Maryland first lady and Baltimore City District Court Judge Catherine Curran O’Malley; and former Gov. William Donald Schaefer.

“Domestic violence is a serious social issue that destroys the very fabric of our community,” Judge Bell said. “We can only end the pervasive cycle of domestic violence by working to educate, inform, and raise awareness about the problem and provide sources of help. Community involvement is a key factor in ending domestic violence.”

From July 2006 through June 2007, more than 28,000 domestic violence cases were filed in Maryland’s District and Circuit Courts, and 52 people – including 13 children – were killed as a result of domestic violence in the state. During the first eight months of 2008, more than 21,000 domestic violence cases were filed in the state courts.

The Maryland Judiciary has taken an active role in the effort to stop domestic violence and ensure protections for victims.

Earlier this year, Judge Bell announced that all protective orders would be standardized as part of a national effort to better protect victims of abuse and their families. The initiative, “Project Passport,” created a new national template that also helps Maryland victims receive protection in other states and allows Maryland law enforcement to protect out-of-state victims more readily.

In addition, last month, the Judiciary launched a statewide civil domestic violence database, becoming one of the first states nationwide with a comprehensive database of civil orders of protection. The database includes all protective and peace orders issued by Maryland District and Circuit Court judges and District Court commissioners. State law enforcement agencies have real-time secure Web-based access to images or PDF copies of orders, which allows officers to verify the existence and content of an order at any time, even on-site when they respond to domestic violence calls, ensuring immediate arrests when violations occur.

After “A Line in the Sand” leaves the Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis, it will travel to the Baltimore City Circuit Court, 111 North Calvert St., where it will be on display throughout January.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Visitors entering the Courts of Appeal Building must undergo security screening with assistance from a court security officer. The exhibit is online at http://www.alineinthesand.org

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