This Domestic Violence Resource Guide is made possible by the DeKalb Medical Society Alliance. It is being distributed through funding by DeKalb Medical Center. Many services and resources are available to help you with your problems. This guide will help you become aware of agencies or organizations in your community which can provide the services you need and tell you where assistance can be found. We hope this guide will provide answers to questions you may have.
DeKalb Medical Society Alliance, Inc.
First Edition 1995
Second Edition 1996
Third Edition 1997
Fourth Edition 2000
"STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE"
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCE GUIDE
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA
Domestic violence affects more than 250,000 women in Georgia each year. It is the single greatest cause of injury to women between the ages of 14 and 44. It injures more women than muggings, rapes and car accidents combined.
This guide has been created to provide help to victims of domestic violence who don't know where to turn. This guide is also designed to help you recognize that YOU may be a victim of domestic violence. YOU, like many others, may be in a state of denial about the incidents which occur in your home. Domestic violence crosses all social, economic and cultural boundaries.
Domestic violence is a cycle of abuse which enters the home and it does not go away. It injuries not only the victim but the entire family. Statistics show that the children in these homes are more likely to be abused or neglected. Victims of domestic violence who stay in an abusive relationship for the sake of "the family" or "the children" are not helping anyone. Children who witness family violence suffer from fear, anxiety, guilt and stress. Boys who witness family violence are more likely to batter their female partners. Girls who witness their mothers being battered are more likely to be battered as adults. Further, Women are more likely to be battered when they are pregnant. This type of abuse accounts for a high number of miscarriages and birth defects.
If you find yourself being a victim of domestic violence, this guide provides important information for your safety. As you read it, remember that you are not alone, you do not deserve to be abused, and there are places where you can find help. Follow the steps on the next page to determine if you are a victim, take measures to PREDICT THE VIOLENCE, and if you are still in danger ESCAPE THE VIOLENCE. YOU must make the effort; domestic violence does not end without intervention.
For yourself and for your children… Stop the Violence.
ARE YOU A VICTIM?
THE CYCLE OF ABUSE
PREDICT THE VIOLENCE
ESCAPE THE VIOLENCE
• IF YOU ARE LIVING WITH AN ABUSIVE PERSON
• IF YOU ARE LEAVING AN ABUSIVE PERSON
• AFTER YOU HAVE LEFT AN ABUSIVE PERSON
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS
A Self-Help Manual for Victims of Family Violence
