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DOES YOUR PARTNER…

  • Hit, kick, shove, or injure you?
  • Use weapons/objects against you or threaten you?
  • Force or coerce you to engage in unwanted sexual acts?
  • Threaten to hurt you or others, have you deported, disclose your sexual orientation, or other personal information?
  • Steal or destroy your belongings?
  • Constantly criticize you, call you names, or put you down?
  • Deny your basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, or medical and physical assistance?
  • Control what you do and who you want to see?
  • Make you feel afraid?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions, you may be a victim of domestic violence.

 

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT ABUSE?

If you want to talk to someone about the violence in your life or in the life of someone you know, please call Georgia’s 24-Hour Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, 1.800.33.HAVEN (1.800.334.2836) V/TTY. As a friend or family member of someone experiencing domestic violence, it is important to be there for them and let them know that the abuse is not their fault.

A domestic violence advocate can talk to victims, friends and family to plan for safety.  They may be able to offer resources in your community or give you or your family support.  Domestic violence programs offer victims and their families a variety of services in the community and are here to support you 24 hours a day.

 

LEARN ABOUT COMMON SERVICES OFFERED BY DOMESTIC PROGRAMS:

A plan for safety
A domestic violence advocate can talk to you about specific things that may help you stay safe, whether you choose leave the relationship or stay.  They will help you understand how leaving can be the most dangerous time for someone that is abused and how to plan for safety if you decide to leave.

A plan for family members and friends safety concerns
A domestic violence advocate can talk to friends and family members and suggest ways in which you can talk to the person is abused so that they know you are concerned for their safety and want to help them.

Support groups or talk therapy for the victim and/or their children
Sometimes it helps to talk to others about the abuse in your life.  You can normally attend group or get talk therapy even if you decide that you do not wish to move into the shelter.

Legal advocacy and resources
Many domestic violence programs offer the help of legal advocates as you plan your response to the abuse you are experiencing or have experienced.  They can guide you through court processes for a variety of services, including custody concerns.  Some domestic violence programs may even have attorneys that can offer you advice.  Please note, however, that many legal advocates are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.

Assistance with food, childcare and housing
Many domestic violence programs can advise you on how to apply for public assistance or have funds to help you with emergency food needs, transitional housing or childcare.

Career assistance
Many domestic violence programs are able to assist with helping you find employment.

A safe shelter for victims and their children (if this is what the victim chooses)
Each shelter is different.  Some shelters are large and some are small.  Many have a communal living environment where you are close to other survivors and their children.

Options to keep your pets safe
Some shelters allow pets and some cannot, but all shelters should be able to give you assistance in helping your pet escape safely where you can reunite with your pet later.

Specialized services for individuals with disabilities
All domestic violence programs are required by law to give reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and their service animals.

 

 

If you live in Georgia, call the 24-Hour Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline – 1.800.33.HAVEN (1.800.334.2836) V/TTY.

If you are outside of Georgia, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1.800.799.SAFE. Georgia has many statewide, local, and specialized resources to serve victims of domestic violence and their families.  Links to the organizations’ websites are categorized and listed alphabetically.  If a website is unavailable, the local domestic violence crisis number is listed. You can reach the 24-Hour Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1.800.33. HAVEN (1.800.334.2836) V/TTY.