Domestic violence is a pattern of intimidation and abuse that is used by one partner to establish and maintain control over the other partner.  The abuse can be physical, verbal, mental and financial.  While it can take different forms, the abuse may become more frequent and intensive over time.  Domestic Violence hurts everyone.  It crosses all boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, religion, economic background, physical ability and sexual orientation.  It can occur in any type of relationship, including past and present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, step-parents and step-children, foster parents and foster children or others living in the same home.  The damage to body and self-esteem inflicted by domestic violence has been linked to homelessness, suicide, crime, teen pregnancy, premature births and miscarriages.

The Solicitor-General’s prosecutors and victim advocates keep in close contact with victims through all phases of the prosecution and provide information, resources and critical support.  Working with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations, it is our goal to:

  • Increase victim safety
  • Stop the violence
  • Diligently prosecute Domestic Violence crimes; and
  • Hold abusers accountable

How to recognize abuse: 

Does your partner…

  • Call you names or use other insults?
  • Destroy or damage your property?
  • Threaten to harm you or others?
  • Insist on controlling family finances?
  • Criticize your abilities as a parent, threaten to take the children away?
  • Become jealous of your friends and the time you spend with them?
  • Control how often you and where you interact with friends and family?
  • Hit, shove, kick, grab or use other forms of physical violence toward you?
  • Make unwanted advances or force you to perform sexual acts?
  • Threaten to commit suicide if you leave?

If so, you may be experiencing abuse.

General safety tips regarding harassment and stalkers.

  • Talk with a trained professional. Keep a diary of every contact with the individual. File individual requests with the police so you can show a pattern of activity. Vary your routine and route, consider letting your employer know so that security measures can be taken.  Also, let your childcare provider know.
  • Most importantly, trust your instincts.
  • Talk with a trusted advocate who can develop a safety plan with you that are particular to your circumstances (see helpline  links below).
  • These are general tips. A trained advocate can help you develop a safety plan best for your circumstances.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP: if you feel you are in immediate danger, dial 911

GEORGIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 1-800-31-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836) Voice/TTY
24-hour hotline automatically connects callers to the nearest shelters based on their phone number exchanges.