Domestic Violence

If you're the victim of domestic violence, or know someone who is, you must report it to the police and the courts, who may issue a restraining order order or incarcarate the abuser. Do not remain silent: Take steps to end domestic abuse today. What can you do ?

Call the sheriff's office. Just because you were or are married or living with someone does not give them the right to threaten or abuse you.

Seek medical attention. Go to the emergency room, your doctor or the hospital for treatment, particularly if you have been choked. You could have injuries that you are not aware of.

Leave, if you can. There are Battered Women's shelters available.

What is Dometic Violence?

Georgia law defines family violence as an offense by one member of a household, either current or past, against another member of the household. These individuals include present or past spouses, individuals who have children together and parents and their children. Qualifying offenses include any felony, as well as battery, assault, stalking, property damage, trespassing and unlawful restraint.

A person seeking protection from domestic violence may file a petition in county court requesting a protective order. The court issues an immediate order, called an ex parte order, if the petition shows sufficient facts to justify it. The court must have a hearing on the case within 30 days to determine whether a protective order is required. A protective order directs the offender to stop acts of domestic violence and establishes conditions for relations between the parties. The order may, for example, require the offender to leave the household, award temporary custody of children, require child support and divide the parties' personal property. The order remains in effect for one year, but the court has discretion to make the order effective for three years or permanently.

A person who violates a protective order may be charged with contempt of court or with a criminal misdemeanor. To be convicted of a misdemeanor the offender must have violated the order knowingly and in a nonviolent manner. Penalties for domestic violence itself are imposed based on the nature of the offense, as defined by the Criminal Code, Chapter 5, Crimes Against the Person.

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 are of every ethnic origin.
• 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.

What to take with you when you leave:

• Identification Social Security Cards
• Driver’s License and Car Registration
• Medical Records and Information
• Children’s Birth Certificate
• 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
• House and Car Keys
• Address Book
• Medication for you and your Children
• Pictures