Domestic & Family Violence
Coastal Counseling Center
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Are You In A Violent Relationship?
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| Click above to visit the website of the Camden County Family Violence Task Force |
Domestic Violence - Defined
The Official Georgia Code defines domestic violence as any felony, battery,
simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property,
unlawful restraint and criminal trespass between past or present spouses,
persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents
and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children and persons living or
formerly living in the same household. (O.C.G.A. #19-13-1)
The Official Georgia Code defines domestic violence as any felony, battery,
simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property,
unlawful restraint and criminal trespass between past or present spouses,
persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents
and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children and persons living or
formerly living in the same household. (O.C.G.A. #19-13-1)
Understanding the "Cycle of Violence"
Based upon the work of Dr Lenore Walker in the 1970s, there is a predictable cycle of domestic violence.
Although there have been many adaptations, the original remains accurate today:
Based upon the work of Dr Lenore Walker in the 1970s, there is a predictable cycle of domestic violence.
Although there have been many adaptations, the original remains accurate today:
| A Safe Place 882 - 7858 |
| Tension-building Phase (1) "Like walking on eggshells" There is a period of growing unrest within the relationship. The abuser becomes increasingly jealous, short tempered or paranoid. The victim will often try to protect herself by placating the abuser. The abusive person's anger, unfortunately, is often irrational and therefore cannot be reasonably calmed. In many abusive relationships, there is nothing the victim can do to avoid upsetting their partner. |
| Honeymoon Phase (3) "Like being swept off my feet" This is where violent relationships often begin. It doesn't; however, last very long. After an explosive phase, he is caring, gentle and affectionate. He may present his victim with gifts, go out of his way to do nice things for her, and generally make her feel accepted and loved. The nice gifts, apologies, and flowers somehow don't make up for the bruises & scars on the outside and on the inside. |
| Acting-out (Explosive) Phase (2) "You should have done what I said" Things come to a head and the abuser becomes violent. Threats, intimidating behavior and emotional abuse are used to keep his victim in line. Physical violence is a culmination to this phase. During this phase, victims are often too frightened to seek out the help they need. |
| The Power & Control Wheel in Domestic Violence |
| The Equality Wheel in Healthy Relationships |
| Domestic and Family Violence in Camden County, Georgia According to the latest data by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, there were 524 law enforcement responses to family and domestic violence in 2007. Of these responses: |
| In 6 of these calls, there was the use of firearms In 18 of these calls, there was the use of cutting or use of a knife In 295 of these calls, there was the use of an open hand or fist In 205 of these calls, there was the use of "other weapons" |
| 160 violence by the current spouse 33 violence by a former spouse 57 violence by a child or youth 47 violence by a parent 12 violence by a stepparent 7 violence by a stepchild 1 violence by a foster parent 207 violence by none of the above |
- Embarrass or belittle you or put you down?
- Say hurtful things to you?
- Dislike your friends & family, discourage your relationships with others?
- Make all the decisions in the relationship?
- Chastise you after social functions for talking with other people?
- Act jealous of people you talk to?
- Blame you for his or her mistakes?
- Try to make you feel worthless or helpless?
- Forbid or prevent you from working or going to school?
- Keep money, credit cards, and checking accounts away from you?
- Control access to your medicines or medical devices?
- Threaten to have you deported?
- Throw dishes or other objects?
- Abuse your children or pet when mad at you?
- Push, slap, kick, or otherwise assault you?
- Demand sex, make you perform sexual acts you are not comfortable with,
or sexually assault you?
If any of these behaviors are occurring, please seek help.
| Denial keeps the vicious cycle spinning! |
| Stop making excuses for violent behavior! |
| Click either image for a larger version |
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| If you are still in a violent relationship |
| My Domestic Violence Escape Kit |
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