Following the 21 domestic violence deaths in 2007, The Frederick News-Post asked some of the county's key stakeholders in combating the crimes to offer their thoughts on how we, as a community and a society, could move forward to reduce domestic violence. (Responses edited for grammar and style).

The Maryland District Courts continue to play a pivotal role in addressing (domestic violence) issues. In 2007 alone, the District Court for Frederick County issued 544 peace orders and 658 protective orders. In total, 1,202 orders were issued by the court to protect citizens from respondents who posed a real or potential harm to those who petitioned the court for protection.

All the judges in the District Court for Frederick and Washington counties are sensitive to the needs of everyone who appears before the courts in these circumstances. The courts will continue to be vigilant in addressing these issues.

As we all know, domestic violence is a national problem. The Maryland Judiciary is dedicated to providing access to protection from domestic violence in both the Circuit Courts and District Courts. Resources are available throughout Maryland. The courts urge anyone who feels the need for assistance to use these resources.