Community Connections with Karalyn Mulligan, LCPC, Domestic Violence Coordinator

Interviews in this series were conducted by Teresa Marcus, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Chelsea Kelly, Naturalist

Karalyn

COVID-19 has brought waves of uncertainty throughout many communities. Historic London Town would like to take this time to record the voices of some in our community who have been deeply affected. In this series, we interviewed community members to gain their insight on how they have been affected by this global event. In today’s #CommunityConnection, we’re talking to Karalyn Mulligan, LCPC, Domestic Violence Coordinator with the University of Maryland, Capital Region Health

What do you love about your job? I love being able to help someone during a time of crisis, and I feel incredibly blessed to play a part in someone’s healing. I also do a fair amount of training/education, which is rewarding.

What is the biggest challenge of your job? A better understanding of how people respond to trauma and debunking myths are consistent challenges. The truth is that victims of abuse act/react in many different ways. And there could be a million reasons why someone doesn’t talk about or leave an abusive relationship. Nobody should judge another person’s path.

What is the hardest part of the COVID-19 situation?

During COVID-19, we were all told to stay at home to be safe, but what if your home is the most dangerous place to be? People struggling with violence in their homes or in their relationships, may be less likely to reach out for help during COVID-19. This could be linked to someone being unable to safely connect to resources/make calls, being unable to go to the hospital, or reluctant to go because of the virus, having nowhere to go if leave and fearing the unknown.

When this all ends what are you most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to more people reaching out for help and making changes to improve their safety/lives. Personally, I’m looking forward to moving freely about the community.

What can people do to help your community? If you are experiencing abuse, reach out for help. There are many different forms of help and something could work for you. Domestic Violence agencies remain open during this virus. And if you know someone who is experiencing intimate partner violence, stay connected to them and offer support.

Domestic Violence Resources and Hotlines

National

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: www.thehotline.org – resources, chat feature, or call the hotline at 1 (800) 799-7233

State Resources

• The Maryland Health Care Coalition Against Domestic Violence: www.HealthandDV.org

• The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence: www.mnadv.org

Anne Arundel County

• The Annapolis YWCA: www.AnnapolisYWCA.org - local resources, chat feature, or call the hotline at (410) 222-6800

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Grow the ReLeaf Fund

Recently, London Town launched the ReLeaf Fund. This newly created fund was inspired by the cycle of renewal in our gardens. Donations to it will ensure that London Town will grow again. Funds will be matched up to $35,000! Learn more and donate today!

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London Town: Today and Tomorrow Survey

You may have noticed an increase in our online postings lately. Will you take a short survey about what posts and virtual programs you'd like? You can also share your thoughts about re-opening London Town and what sort of programs you'd like to see after the crisis is over. Take the survey here