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Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

Governor’s Family Violence Council

Our Mission

The Governor's Family Violence Council advises the Governor by providing timely information and recommendations to help prevent family violence and reduce abusive behavior throughout Maryland.

Abuse Intervention Program (AIP) Certification

The Governor's Family Violence Council (FVC) certifies Abuse Intervention Programs (AIPs) for inclusion in the Administrative Office of the Courts Bench Book for Maryland Judges.

Judges use the Bench Book to identify and refer individuals to certified abuse intervention programs.

Council Membership

The Governor's Family Violence Council consists of 28 members.

  • 16 members represent Maryland state agencies.
  • 12 members are appointed by the Governor based on their experience or expertise in domestic violence issues.

Governor-appointed members may include representatives from:

  • Victim service organizations
  • The legal community
  • Advocacy organizations
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Victims and survivors of domestic or family violence

Members appointed by the Governor serve three-year terms. Members who serve because of their official position remain on the Council as long as they hold the office or designation specified by law.

Council Members

Ex Officio Members

  • The Honorable Aruna Miller, Co-Chair
    Lieutenant Governor
  • The Honorable Anthony Brown, Co-Chair
    Attorney General
  • Dorothy Lennig, Esq.
    Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
  • Betsy Fox Tolentino
    Acting Secretary, Department of Juvenile Services
  • Carolyn Scruggs
    Secretary, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
  • Rafael Lopez
    Secretary, Department of Human Services
  • Michael A. Jackson
    Acting Secretary, Maryland State Police
  • The Honorable Joe Coale
    Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association Representative
  • Carey Wright
    Interim Superintendent of Education, Maryland State Department of Education
  • Laura Herrera Scott
    Secretary, Maryland Department of Health
  • David Shultie
    Representative of Maryland Judiciary designated by Chief Judge of Court of Appeals
  • Carmel Martin
    Special Secretary, Governor’s Office for Children
  • Delegate Karen Simpson
    Maryland General Assembly, Appointed by the Speaker
  • Delegate April Rose
    Maryland General Assembly, Appointed by the House Minority Leader
  • Senator Mary Beth Carozza
    Maryland General Assembly, Appointed by Senate Minority Leader
  • VACANT
    Maryland General Assembly, Appointed by the President

Appointed by the Governor

  • Lillian Agbeyegbe
    Survivor Advocate
  • Stacey Burnett Rice, Esq.
    The Law Offices of Stacey B. Rice
  • Jason Dowding
    CASA, Inc.
  • Deborah Feinstein, Esq.
    Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office
  • Norwood Johnson
    Survivor
  • Dr. Pamela Love
    DP Love Enterprises
  • Lisa Nitsch
    House of Ruth Maryland
  • Katie O’Malley
    Women’s Law Center of Maryland
  • Leslye Orloff
    American University
  • Jennifer Pollitt Hill
    Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
  • Laure Ruth, Esq.
    Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
  • Jeanne Yeager
    Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence

Fiscal Year 2026 Areas of Study

  • Abusers Not Meeting Conditions of Court Orders
  • Access to Benefits for Immigrant Survivors
  • Survivor Advisory Council