The Betty Ann Krahnke Center

Montgomery County’s emergency shelter for survivors of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence.

People Cared For

  • Young Children
  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • Young Adults
  • Adults

Level of Care

  • Crisis
  • Residential

Payment Type

  • Free

The Betty Ann Krahnke Center (BAK), is a short-term emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence in Montgomery County, MD. Every year, more than five million women are abused, and more than 1,200 women are killed by an intimate partner in the United States.

With a 60-bed capacity, BAK is the only emergency safe house in Montgomery County for survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual assault.  

Our Philosophy

At BAK, we provide a safe and confidential place where women and their children can come when they are fleeing violence. We understand that the women and children in our care have been impacted by trauma, and should be responded to appropriately to ensure that re-traumatization will not occur. BAK provides safety, but more importantly, it is welcoming, and we take pride in helping the women and children at BAK feel comforted, respected, and empowered.

Everything is done with trauma-informed care in mind. We help families begin to heal, stay connected to their children, find safe options in the community, and access the financial, legal, and other resources they may need.