Office of the Solicitor General

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.