MDCCC United Against Domestic Violence & Abuse Conference

The Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce’s United Against Domestic Violence and Abuse Conference is a free, faith-based educational initiative designed to equip a diverse audience that includes business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, church leaders, professionals, low-to-moderate-income individuals, underserved populations, survivors, and community members with the knowledge and resources to recognize, prevent, and respond to domestic violence and the many other forms of abuse that may affect individuals, families, workplaces, churches, businesses, and communities.

These forms of abuse may include emotional, psychological, verbal, financial, spiritual, sexual, workplace, parental, and other forms that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Through expert presentations, law enforcement education, survivor-informed panel discussions, and partnerships with community resource organizations, the conference will provide practical guidance on identifying signs of abuse, understanding how abuse can manifest in different environments, accessing legal and support services, and creating safer workplaces, businesses, churches, families, and communities. The conference also serves individuals who may face financial hardship, limited access to support services, or barriers to economic independence.

By increasing awareness and connecting attendees with counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, crisis support, financial education, and other essential resources, the initiative seeks to strengthen safety, improve access to support, help survivors rebuild their lives, maintain employment, improve financial stability, and pursue greater long-term independence.

Abuse can take the form of control, intimidation, manipulation, financial exploitation, spiritual coercion, retaliation, or misuse of authority—often without leaving a physical mark. Learning to recognize these patterns is the first step toward responding wisely and protecting others.