THE MISSION OF THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND CENTER FOR FAMILY ADVOCACY IS TO PROMOTE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY TOWARD INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE. THIS POLICY IS PROMOTED BY PROVIDING LAY ADVOCACY SERVICES, LEGAL ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL, AND OTHER RELATED SERVICES TO SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. THESE SERVICES ARE DELIVERED BOTH INDEPENDENTLY AND IN COLLABORATION WITH THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS INCLUDING NONPROFIT AGENCIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, CONCERNED CITIZENS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN SO. MD. THE CENTER SHAL PROVIDE ANY SURVIVOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TIMELY AND FREE ACCESS TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF ADVOCATES AND ATTORNEYS REGARDLESS OF AGE, GENDER, RACE, CREED, ETHNIC OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL, SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC STATUS OR ANY OTHER DEMOGRAPHIC OR PSYCHOGRAPHIC FACTORS. THESE SERVICE ARE PROVIDEDED WITH EMPHASIS ON THE NEEDS OF WOMEN & THEIR CHILDREN.