Content warning: This story contains references to domestic violence.
Jeanette Brandon was in a dependent, abusive relationship until she was guided on how to get out by a young woman who shared a similar experience.
After escaping that situation, Brandon decided she would share her story and work to assist other victims of domestic violence. She founded the Prince George’s County-based non-profit, Together We Can in 2022, which provides resources for those experiencing domestic violence and amplifies their stories.
”That’s the only way people are gonna get help, because if people don’t know that someone else survived it, they always think they are gonna be stuck in that situation,” said Brandon, the organization’s CEO.
Brandon has worked closely with the Prince George’s County Council during the creation of the Domestic Violence Work Group, which was established in November.
Domestic violence rates have risen over 30 percent in Prince George’s County, council member and bill co-sponsor Wanika Fisher said during a press conference on Nov. 18.
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Both Fisher and Brandon highlighted that domestic violence is not exclusive to romantic partners and can occur between children, caregivers, grandparents and siblings.
“Domestic violence is one of the main reasons that people are losing their lives here in Prince George’s County,” Brandon told The Diamondback. “We just really need to work together as a team to really bring awareness to domestic violence.”
While Together We Can’s main mission is to provide resources and advocate for those experiencing domestic violence, the team of 11 volunteers also holds events like coat drives and holiday meal distributions.
According to Brandon, any additional events held by the organization are sourced out of pocket.
“I do it because of the smile on their face[s],” Brandon said. “The gratitude that I get seeing them and helping them is what inspires me.”
Council member and bill co-sponser Krystal Oriadha is also a domestic violence survivor. She told The Diamondback in October that the county’s lack of accessible housing resources, mental health services and employment options for those who have freshly escaped abusive situations depict the importance of the task force.
“Sometimes, getting out of the situation is the first step. Healing is the second, ” she said.
Oriadha also thanked advocates and supporters of the task force in the Nov. 18 press conference, explaining the necessity of having a place to go after escaping abusive situations.
”The reality is that it is really hard to make that decision to leave. People might judge you,” she said. “Every time, people are afraid about, ‘Will people believe me? Will people be there to support me?’”
The county has allocated half a million dollars to various advocacy groups, legal aids, housing services and mental health programs every fiscal year since 2019.
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The Community Advocates for Family & Youth, Inc. won the highest grant in fiscal year 2025, totaling to $85,000.
The 22-year-old social service organization advocates for victims through legal and counseling services, CEO and founder Arleen Joell told The Diamondback in October.
The grant funded the organization’s 24-hour helpline and provided pro bono legal services to survivors in need.
“[The grant] helped us to be able to respond to immediate needs,” Joell said, noting the ability to provide anonymous housing for survivors in need.
Prince George’s County’s official website provides a list of local and national resources for those who are experiencing domestic abuse. The website also provides basic information about domestic violence and even a quiz for those who may suspect they are being abused.
“… It takes a team. It takes together, and that’s why my organization is [called] Together We Can,” Brandon said. “It takes everybody to work together to get this done.”
Deputy news editor Mayah Nachman contributed to this story.
