Every woman and child deserves to feel safe in their own home, so Molly Maid of Central Anne Arundel County has taken up the cause of domestic violence.

Approximately 1.3 million women each year are physically assaulted by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. According to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, more than 21,000 crimes of violence are reported to Maryland law enforcement per year.

While millions of women report this crime, there are too many others who are afraid their situation is beyond help.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Molly Maid businesses across the United States will increase awareness and raise money through our non-profit organization, the "Ms. Molly Foundation."

Since our efforts began in 1996, Molly Maid has raised more than $1 million to help support local safe houses and domestic violence shelters across the country. Most of this money is raised during October, in our annual “Making a Difference Drive." We also collect much-needed goods that we donate to local shelters.

Throughout Anne Arundel County, we are working with our customers to raise monetary donations, personal care items and gift cards for the YWCA Arden House, which provides victims with shelter, counseling and legal services. Since we became involved with the Ms. Molly Foundation, we have raised more than $35,000 in goods and services.

While the month of October is extremely important to us, our efforts don’t stop there. Throughout the year, we clean the Arden House weekly to give sheltered women a place they can call home that is clean, organized and comfortable.  Furthermore, we donate a portion of every cleaning fee to the Arden House to help with year-round expenses.

We are often asked: “Why Domestic Violence?”

The answer is simple. This is a natural fit for us. Victims of domestic violence cross all economic, social and racial boundaries. Also, since we talk to people in their homes every day and our employees and customers can all relate to someone who has dealt with domestic violence, it’s a cause near and dear to our hearts. This compassion continues to grow.

If you suspect someone you know is being abused, you might consider asking yourself these questions, courtesy of Women against Domestic Violence:

• Have you seen evidence of injuries?
• Have you accepted her explanations for her black eyes, bruises or broken bones?
• Does she miss work frequently?
• Does her partner show an unusual amount of control over her life?
• Have you noticed changes in her or her children's behavior?
• Does her partner embarrass or ridicule her in public?
• Does her partner blame her for the way he acts or the things he says?

Awareness of this important issue is the key to helping with prevention. We are hopeful that through the education of people throughout Anne Arundel about this very serious issue, others will be inspired to help and give back as well.

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Donna Reilly of Molly Maid of Central Anne Arundel County opened her local business in 1998. Molly Maid of Central Anne Arundel County is part of a national franchise of more than 450 locations in the U.S.