Below are informational topics of concern relating to domestic violence.

Defining
Domestic Violence

There are various definitions of domestic violence used nationwide, reflecting both legal definitions under law, as well as descriptions relevant to specific disciplines of caregivers, including victim advocates, medical professionals, and criminal justice practitioners.

Power and 
Control Wheel

Physical and sexual assaults, or threats to commit them, are the most apparent forms of domestic violence and are usually the actions that allow others to become aware of the problem.

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However, regular use of other abusive behaviors by the batterer make up a larger system of abuse.

Domestic Violence
Effects on Children

It is significant that seven out of ten people who enter domestic violence shelters are children. Experts report that children who witness abuse and violence against their mothers do not escape without pain. Domestic violence can be a sometimes life-threatening phenomenon that has devastating consequences on children.

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Domestic Violence and
Healthcare Consequences

Why is important for healthcare professionals to ask about abuse?

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Healthcare professionals are in the critical position of providing services to victims of violence as the first contact point for many victims.

Domestic Violence
in the Workplace

All employers should be concerned about the impact of domestic violence in the workplace. According to a survey of 1,200 employees, conducted by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence:

• 65% reported being harassed while at work, either in person or on the phone.

Relationship
Warning Signs

If your partner demonstrates one or more of the following behaviors you may be in danger:

• Is jealous or possessive toward you

• Tries to control you by being bossy or demanding

• Tries to isolate you by demanding you cut off contacts with family and friends

• Is violent and/or loses his or her temper quickly

Why Don't
Victims Just Leave?

There are serious factors that weigh on a victim’s decision to leave. Ending an intimate relationship is very difficult, even more so when a victim’s self-confidence has been destroyed by the abuser.

How to Leave an
Abusive Relationship

In this article we cover the following topics: 

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• Getting Ready to Leave

• General Guidelines for Leaving an Abusive Relationship

• If time is available, also take

• After Leaving the Abusive Relationship

Developing a
Safety Plan

When a victim is able to leave the abusive environment, it is essential that a safety plan be in place to increase opportunity for a successful departure. Advanced planning is crucial and should consider each individuals particular situation.

State Resources

• Ahimsa House - Shelter and aid for animals affected by domestic violence.

• Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program

• Georgia Crisis and Access Line (24/7 hotline for mental health services, including mobile crisis team): 1.800.715.4225

• Georgia Legal Services Program 

• Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault

National Resources

• National Center for Victims of Crime

• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

• National Network to End Domestic Violence

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)

• Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network

Additional Information

• NNEDV Tech Safety - This website offers information and tips for someone who might be stalked or harassed through technology.

• Technology Safety Plan

• MoneyGeek - Financial Help for Women in Abusive Relationships

• Senior Care - This website offers information on the 7 forms of elder abuse and how to recognize the abuse of seniors.

• Ride Share Safety

• Rape Response

• Power House for Kids