DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is a general term describing abusive behavior or coercive control in any relationship that is used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another. Georgia Law (OCGA §19-13-1) defines “Family Violence” as the occurrence of specific criminal acts between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents, and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household.
Domestic/Family Violence affects millions of families every year and can take on many forms. It can include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
Domestic/ Family Violence is a Crime
Disagreements occur in all relationships. Domestic/Family Violence is not a disagreement. These behaviors can become more frequent and intense over time.
The abusive person is responsible for these behaviors. That person is the only one who can change them.
Beware of these signs:
- Is your partner violent toward you?
- Do you find yourself minimizing your partner’s behavior?
- Do you feel controlled?
- Do you feel helpless, trapped, or alone?
- Do you blame yourself?
- Are you or your partner blaming the abusive behavior on drugs, stress, or alcohol?
- Do you fear going home?
- Are you or your children being abused or threatened with harm?
- Do you lie to cover up your partner’s behavior?
- Are you embarrassed or humiliated by your partner, especially in public?
If you are unsure about the way your partner treats you or acts, and you would like to learn more information or talk to someone, help is available 24 hours a day at the following numbers:
Project Renewal (770) 860-9770 | www.projectrenewalgeorgia.com
Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1.800.33.HAVEN (1 (800) 334-2836) | www.GCADV.org
Additional Resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) | www.thehotline.org
Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence (404) 655-5436 www.wrcdv.org