Violence is a cycle. As tension begins to build, the other becomes acutely aware that something bad is going to happen. Then the abuse takes place (verbal, physical, sexual, emotional, psychological). After a cooling-down period, the proverbial honeymoon period sets in - usually with apologies, gifts, excuses and promises to stop. Unfortunately, it does not stop; it only grows out of control.
Domestic and family violence includes components listed in this wheel. At the heart (hub) is a person's need for both power and control. One treats the other with threats, intimidation, isolation and other methods.
Click the wheel for an enlarged (pdf) version.
The Wheel of Equality emphasizes that relationships are co-equal, no one is better or worse than the other. At the heart (hub) of the wheel is equality - treating the other with respect.
Click the wheel for an enlarged (pdf) version.
There are approximately 17,000 women over the age of 18 in Camden County. Since 1 in 4 of these women may have experienced domestic violence, this would mean that about 4,200 adult women in our community have been or are at risk. This data does not include the children (or even men) who have witnessed or experienced the violence themselves;
nor does this data include teenage girls who have been victimized by dating violence. We all know of someone who has experienced domestic violence. Please give them a voice: Silence only hides the violence!
Educate empower eradicate
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)
Click the wheel for an enlarged (pdf) version.
Studies have shown that children exposed to violence in his or her family show the same pattern of activity in their brains as soldiers exposed to combat. Children are often too ashamed or hurt to tell someone that they have been hurt. There is a principle that states, when children cannot verbalize what they are feeling, they will often act it out. Please be an advocate for the most vulnerable - the child!