1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Maryland Attorney General – Victim Services
Offers guidance on crime victim rights, compensation, and legal assistance during the court process. - Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention – Victim Services
Provides grant-funded victim service programs, notifications, and referrals to local agencies and shelters.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Maryland Legal Aid
Offers free legal help to low-income residents, including stalking, harassment, abuse, and civil protection cases. - People’s Law Library of Maryland
Online portal for legal information, self-help tools, and access to legal service organizations across the state.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-802
What it means: Repeated unwanted behavior (such as following or surveillance) intended to cause fear or distress. Includes cyberstalking and harassment through digital platforms. - Harassment: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-803
What it means: Covers repeated conduct, communications, or threats meant to annoy, alarm, or emotionally distress another person. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under Md. Code, Education § 7-424
What it means: Maryland schools must enforce anti-bullying policies, including cyberbullying and retaliation. Complaints must be investigated by school authorities. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Maryland case law and common law.
What it means: Victims can sue for libel or slander when false claims cause harm to their reputation. Defamation is not a criminal offense in Maryland.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 in emergencies or if you are in immediate danger.
- Non-emergency incidents may be reported to local law enforcement or campus security offices.
- Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV)
Connects survivors with legal support, shelter access, and counseling services statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-634-3577
Offers 24/7 confidential assistance, safety planning, and referrals across Maryland.
5. Support Organizations
- Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
Provides advocacy, legal support, and education through a statewide network of partner organizations. - TurnAround, Inc.
Offers legal services, emergency shelter, and trauma-informed care for survivors in Baltimore and surrounding counties.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims may request a Peace Order or Protective Order, depending on their relationship with the accused. Both options may include contact bans, digital restrictions, and court-enforced no-contact terms. Legal aid organizations and court advocates are available to assist.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Maryland State Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Includes guidance for school districts, reporting procedures, and links to anonymous tip reporting systems.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Maryland Courts – Protective and Peace Orders
Provides instructions and downloadable forms for filing harassment, stalking, and abuse-related orders.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Helps users guard against digital abuse, cyberstalking, and personal data exposure online.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
