Domestic Violence
Georgia Law
Georgia law 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. You do not have to be married to someone to be a victim of domestic violence in Georgia.
Types Of Abuse
- Physical Abuse can include slapping, pushing, punching, hitting, kicking, grabbing, choking, biting, hair pulling, or the use or threat to use weapons to hurt you. Physical abuse can occur and leave no visible injuries.
- Psychological Abuse can include threatening you, controlling the money, controlling how you spend your time with your friends, attempts to make you feel inferior, and threats to harm or take away your children.
- Sexual Abuse is any forced sexual contact, whether by physical force, threats, or coercion.
What You Can Do
- Call the police - Just because you were or are married or living with someone does not give them the right to threaten or abuse you.
- Seek medical attention - Go to the emergency room, your doctor, or a hospital for treatment, particularly if you have been choked. You could have injuries that you are not aware of.
- Leave, if you can - There are Battered Women's shelters available. Our office can put you in touch with shelters in the area.
- Have a safety plan - Have a bag packed for you and your children with important documents, a set of keys, money, your checkbook, and a change of clothes.
Contact Information
- Christy Mullgrav - Assistant Solicitor General
- Adrienne Gaines - Victim-Witness Coordinator
- Kayla White - Victim-Witness Advocate
- Kriston Lake - Victim-Witness Advocate
- Tashike Jennings - Investigator