Office of the Solicitor General
Domestic Violence Awareness
Shannon Duffey speaks at Domestic Violence Awareness Day |
On October 6, 2011 the Solicitor General’s Office of Henry County participated in the Second Annual Henry County Domestic Violence Awareness Day held on the square of McDonough. Black Lights were handed out to the spectators in recognition of this year’s theme “Turn on a Light Save a Life.”
The ceremony opened with an introduction given by Solicitor General, Charles A. Spahos. The VAWA liaison, Sonya Richey, spoke about how Domestic Violence affects every community and crosses every socioeconomic status; race, gender and religion. The rate of men killing women in the state of Georgia has moved our state from the ranks of 10th to now being the 6th in the nation. These alarming statistics haunt us every day and are highlighted by continuous media coverage across the state and nation.
Every 6 seconds a woman is either being abused physically, verbally, psychologically, sexually and digitally, the latest technology based way of abuse. Usually these scenarios involve our children, infants, toddlers, preadolescents and teenagers. Ms. Richey also addressed ways to “Stop the Cycle of Abuse” in teens with the ”Hope and Expectation” of preventing domestic violence in adulthood.
The ceremony concluded with the memorializing of the 80 Georgia victims who have been killed due to domestic violence since October 2010. This was done in conjunction with the release of a purple balloon as each name was announced. This event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Henry County Task Force.
If you ever feel you’re in danger, call 911 or call the 24 hour crisis line at Haven House 770-954-9229.
Victim/Witness Advocate Program
The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics states; over two-thirds of violent victimizations against women were committed by someone known to them: 31% of female victims reported that the offender was a stranger. Approximately 28% were intimates such as husbands or boyfriends, 35% were acquaintances, and the remaining 5% were other relatives. (In contrast, victimizations by intimates and other relatives accounted for only 5% of all violent victimizations against men. Men were significantly more likely to have been victimized by acquaintances (50%) or strangers (44%) than by intimates or other relatives.)
Did you know that children who witness violence at home are 1000 more times likely to abuse as adults? A child exposed to the father abusing the mother is at the strongest risk for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.
The Cycle of Violence describes the typical pattern of abusive relationships. There are three distinct phases: tension building, explosion and false honeymoon.
- Tension Building This phase is often described by survivors as "walking on eggshells". Tension and stress is building, and the survivor is trying to control the situation to avoid possible violence.
- Explosion This phase is where the abuse occurs. The abuse is triggered by anything, everything, and nothing. The trigger is the excuse that the violent person uses to justify being abusive. Each and all of the 5 types of domestic violence can happen during this phase.
- False Honeymoon Here the relationship seems peaceful and romantic; forgiveness is requested and given. The abuser is typically trying to use the romance to manipulate and control the victim in different ways than used before. Over time, the false honeymoon will fade and the cycle will begin again.
The victim’s services at the Henry County Solicitor’s office can provide you with information on:
- Arrest and prosecution Procedures
- Counseling facilities
- Where to obtain a Temporary Protective Order
- Sentencing
Based on the Victim’s Bill of Rights the victim of a crime has the rights and responsibilities to:
- Make a written request to be notified of scheduled court proceedings.
- Request any information in regards to his/her address, place of employment and telephone numbers be kept confidential.
- Ask to wait in a separate area from the accused
- Voice his/her opinion regarding plea or sentencing recommendations.
The office of the Solicitor General of Henry County is responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanor cases in Henry County. Keeping you and your family safe from further acts of violence is a top priority.
The Victim Witness Program is designed to assist the victim’s of crime. Each case involving a victim is assigned to a victim’s advocate. The assigned advocate will inform you of your rights as the victim, the stages of the judicial process, ways to obtain compensation and any additional assistance you may need.
Contact us for additional information.
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