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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
The Georgia Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, O.C.G.A. § 17-17-1, et seq., provides individuals who are victims of certain crimes specific rights. These rights include:
- The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings or any changes to such proceedings;
- The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused;
- The right not to be excluded from any scheduled court proceedings, except as provided by law;
- The right to be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused;
- The right to file a written objection in any parole proceedings involving the accused;
- The right to confer with the prosecuting attorney in any criminal prosecution related to the victim;
- The right to restitution as provided by law;
- The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and
- The right to be treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies involved in the case.
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.
Haven House
770-954-1008
770-954-9229 (24-hour crisis line)
www.henryhavenhouse.org
Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and
Child Advocacy Center
770-603-4045
770-477-2177 (24-hour crisis line)
www.sasac.org
Georgia Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
404-657-2222 or 1-800-547-0060
www.crimevictimscomp.ga.gov
Contact Us for additional information.