Below you will find detailed information regarding domestic violence, and example of a safety plan, names and numbers for several other agencies that offer assistance to crime victims and our newly created information in Spanish. We extend to you an invitation to call with any questions or needs you may have, we are here to assist you.

The Georgia Code defines domestic violence as any felony, battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children and persons living or formerly living in the same household. (O.C.G.A. §19-13-1)

Domestic violence is a pattern of battering behavior used to establish power and control over an intimate partner or family member. It not only involves punching or hitting but also can include sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse. One can be a victim without exhibiting any obvious physical injuries.

Facts about domestic violence:

Acts of violence occur every 18 seconds in this country. A woman is abused every 9 seconds.

26% of murdered women are killed by their husbands or boyfriends

30% of women in emergency rooms are there because of injuries caused by abuse

25% of men will use violence against a partner at sometime during the relationship every 5 years.

30% of all murders in this country are committed within the family and 13% are committed by spouses.

Children are present during 80% of the assaults against their mothers and 3 million children witness domestic violence each year.

Many cases of domestic violence are not reported because of feelings of helplessness, fear and shame.

Domestic Violence transcends racial, age and socioeconomic boundaries. Its victims are educated, uneducated, poor, middle class, and wealthy. They are Caucasian, Hispanic, African-American and other ethnic origins.

Children who witness violence in the home learn that violence is the answer and these children are 1000 times more likely to abuse as adults.

The death toll of persons killed by relatives and acquaintances equals that of the entire Vietnam War.

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse can include slapping, pushing, punching, hitting, kicking, grabbing, choking, biting, hair pulling or the use or threat to use weapons to hurt you. Physical abuse can occur and leave no visible injuries.

Psychological Abuse can include threatening you, controlling the money, controlling how you spend your time with your friends, attempts to make you feel inferior and threats to harm or take away your children.

Sexual Abuse is any forced sexual contact, whether by physical force or threats or coercion.

Why do women stay?

Frequently the issue of domestic violence is addressed with the victim-blaming question of "Why doesn't she leave?" No one enjoys being abused. The reasons for staying include:

What is the cycle of violence?

Domestic violence tends to follow a cycle of three phases. In the first, tension, arguing, and anger escalates between the couple. In the second, the arguing crosses the line into abuse, which can be physical, sexual or emotional. The aim of the behavior is an attempt by the abuser to gain power and control over the victim. Following the violent episode, the "honeymoon phase" occurs in which the batterer may make excuses for the behavior, promise to change, or apologize. Often the honeymoon phase becomes shorter, and frequently the abuse escalates if the victim attempts to leave the relationship.

Many victims believe the promises made during the honeymoon phase. Often they believe the violence will not occur again, the abuser is capable of changing, or they can somehow alter the abuser's behavior. Many victims are reluctant to seek help for a variety of reasons.

Are you a victim of domestic violence?

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you may be in an abusive relationship.

Does your partner ever push or hit you?
Does your partner ever make you feel afraid?
Does your partner ever tell you that you deserve to be abused?
Does your partner act extremely jealous or possessive towards you?
Does your partner demand sex even when you refuse?
Does your partner attempt to control how you look, act, think, or spend money?
Does your partner attempt to isolate you from family or friends?

What is a Safety Plan?

A Safety plan is a plan, short-or-long-term to help you seek safety. You may not be ready to make decisions about changes in your life now, but you can be better prepared when you become ready to do so in the future.

Safety Plan For Women In Danger:

His date of birth and Social Security number
The address and phone numbers to his place of work
Identification Social Security Cards for yourself and the children
Driver’s License and Car Registration
Medical Records and Information
Children’s Birth Certificates
Welfare Papers and Information
Your Birth and Marriage Certificate
School Records
Any Money you have
Green Card or Immigration Papers
Protective Order
Divorce Papers
Lease, Rental Agreement, or House Deed
Jewelry
Bank Books and Checkbooks
Small Toys for the Children
Insurance Papers
Small Objects of Value
Clothing
Extra House and Car Keys
Address Book
Medication for you and your Children
Family Photos

What should you do?

Call for help, use your safety plan, and leave now, if you can. There are Battered Women's shelters available in our area. If you are in Putnam, Greene, Morgan, Baldwin, or Hancock County, contact the Circle of Love 24 Hour Crisis Hotline at (706) 453-4017or visit their website at http://www.circle-of-love.org/index.htm.

(1-800-334-2836)

Putnam County Family Violence Task Force Essay Contest

Solicitor General of Putnam County
Putnam County Courthouse, Suite 205
100 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, Georgia 31024
(706) 923-2331 Phone
(706) 923-2332 Fax