Center for Abused Persons

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

Violence Comes in Many Forms — But Prevention Starts with Us. 🧡

Gun violence, domestic violence, sexual violence, teen dating violence, bullying, elder abuse, child abuse, and community violence all have one thing in common: they cause harm and affect the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

While each form of violence may look different, they are often rooted in unhealthy behaviors, poor conflict resolution, power and control, lack of respect, and unresolved anger or trauma.

The good news is that violence can be prevented. By teaching healthy communication, respect, empathy, emotional regulation, and positive coping skills, we can help create safer homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Violence is never the answer. Every conversation about prevention, every act of kindness, and every effort to support someone in need can make a difference.

Together, we can build communities where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

🧡 Prevention starts with awareness. Change starts with action.

06/11/2026

🧡 Change begins with all of us. Small actions, open conversations, and community support can make a big difference in preventing gun violence.

06/10/2026

🧡 Preventing Gun Violence Starts with Prevention, Education, and Community Support 🧡

Creating safer communities requires all of us working together. Gun violence prevention is not just about responding to violence after it happens—it's about taking proactive steps to reduce risk, support individuals and families, and build environments where everyone can feel safe.

There are many ways we can help prevent gun violence:

✔️ Practice safe and secure firearm storage
✔️ Teach healthy conflict-resolution and communication skills
✔️ Support youth mentoring and after-school programs
✔️ Increase access to mental health resources and support services
✔️ Promote healthy relationships and respect for others
✔️ Address bullying, harassment, and violence early
✔️ Strengthen family and community connections
✔️ Recognize and respond to warning signs of violence
✔️ Support violence prevention and community intervention programs
✔️ Encourage community engagement and positive social connections

Every conversation, every act of support, and every effort to promote safety can make a difference. By working together, we can help create communities where individuals, families, and future generations can thrive free from violence.

💬 What do you think is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent gun violence in our communities?

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06/09/2026

🧡 How Can We Make Our Communities Safer? 🧡

Creating a safer community takes all of us working together. Every person has the power to make a positive impact and help prevent violence.

✨ Ways We Can Build Safer Communities:

🧡 Promote Open Conversations
Talk openly about violence prevention, mental health, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships. Education and awareness encourage understanding and help connect people with support.

🧡 Support Youth and Families
Safe spaces, mentoring opportunities, after-school programs, and positive role models help young people grow, thrive, and feel connected to their communities.

🧡 Encourage Healthy Conflict Resolution
Teaching and modeling respectful communication and problem-solving skills can help prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.

What is one thing you can do to help make your community a safer place?

06/08/2026

Cap wants to let you know 🧡 June is Gun Violence Awareness Month 🧡

05/01/2026

After 33 years of unwavering service, leadership, and heart, our Executive Director, Annette Gilbert-Jackson, has officially retired from CAP.

It is difficult to put into words the impact she has had, not just within our organization, but across the entirety of Charles County. For over three decades, she has been a tireless advocate for our community, turning vision into action and ensuring that CAP remained a pillar of support for those who need it most.

Her dedication has shaped the very fabric of our mission. While we will miss her guidance, her wisdom, and her presence in the office every day, we are incredibly proud of the legacy she leaves behind.

Thank you for your decades of sacrifice and your relentless commitment to making our community a better place. We wish you nothing but relaxation, joy, and a very happy retirement. You have certainly earned it!

As we turn this page, the staff at CAP is also filled with excitement for the future. We look forward to welcoming and working alongside our new Executive Director, Melissa Simonson, as we continue the vital work of serving Charles County.

Wishing you the best,
The CAP Staff

04/30/2026

CAP Board of Directors is happy to announce our new Executive Director Melissa Simonson.

Melissa Simonson, MA, LCPC, NCC, is a nonprofit leader and licensed clinical mental health counselor in Maryland and Virginia with over 15 years of experience in education and organizational leadership. She has extensive experience leading teams, managing operations, and partnering with boards, families, and community stakeholders to support organizational growth and mission-driven initiatives. Her background includes program oversight, staff development, compliance, and grant coordination, with a focus on building effective systems and collaborative environments. She is passionate about strengthening organizations and communities through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and service.

We are happy to have her. Let's welcome Melissa

04/29/2026

On April 18, 2026, the CAP Peer Support Group gathered to create vision boards—making space for healing, hope, and possibility. Because life after trauma isn’t just about surviving… it’s about envisioning what comes next. 💜