Information on COVID-19 |Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault

As Maryland and the United States continue to take precautions for the health and well-being of our communities, the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) and the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) are here for you and will continue to provide services to our clients, Rape Crisis Centers, SARTs, and other professionals.

Survivors of sexual violence are still experiencing increased dangers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to share accurate information and resources with our community to make sure that survivors, friends & family, and service providers have the tools they need to continue to respond in ways that are safe and supportive. This page includes resources for survivors, advocates, service providers, and communities.


Resources for Survivors	Resources for Service Providers	Resources for Communities

Resources & Information for Survivors

Remember that you are not alone and there is support available to you at all times.

In Maryland:
- For your local Rape Crisis Center information including hotline hours and numbers, please visit our Rape Crisis Center page.
- MCASA’s Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) provides comprehensive legal services to survivors of sexual violence statewide. SALI attorneys and staff are working remotely and are available to answer legal questions and conduct intakes for first-time callers in need of legal representation. Please call 301-565-2277 or toll-free at 877-496-SALI.
- Courthouses and clerks' offices are fully open to the public. Courts have resumed hearing all matters, including jury trials. This website provides more detailed information: https://mdcourts.gov/coronavirusinformationforpublic
- Sexual Assault Forensic Exams During COVID-19
- Find additional state and local resources by calling Maryland 211 or visiting their website: 211md.org
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe in your current living situation. You can review options for safety planning while under quarantine, here (click here for a Spanish version). SALI attorneys and advocates also help address financial security through financial safety planning.
Learn options for protecting yourself online:
- The National Network to End Domestic Violence put together a toolkit for survivors with safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology.
- The Clinic to End Tech Abuse has a toolkit for survivors and professionals on addressing tech-related risks.
Your health and wellness are important: For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Health’s webpage.

Resources for Sexual Violence & Domestic Violence Advocacy Organizations & Service Providers

What SA/DV programs can do, adapted from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

Stay up to date with your local health department. Make contact with health officials in your county who can provide guidance and resources as the situation changes.
Plan with program staff and community partners for how you will continue to provide essential services and meet the needs of vulnerable populations. See the Emergency Preparedness Resources for Maryland.
Courthouses and clerks' offices are fully open to the public. Courts have resumed hearing all matters, including jury trials. This website provides more detailed information: https://mdcourts.gov/coronavirusinformationforpublic
- For attorneys, survivors, and witnesses who may be particularly vulnerable, recently exposed to COVID, or experiencing symptoms, SALI attorneys have drafted a model Motion to request a remote hearing from the court.

Resources from other groups: