District Attorney's Office
Conasauga Judicial Circuit
Domestic Violence Unit

See our Contact Information for more details

A Message From Your District Attorney

Historically, domestic violence cases have not been prosecuted as aggressively as other crimes.  This has been true in large part because of lack of resources and a reliance on the cooperation of the victim.  The establishment of the Domestic Violence Unit has corrected both of these shortcomings.  We now have a prosecutor, a victim advocate, and two investigators devoted solely to the prosecution of domestic violence cases.

In the past, we allowed the victim to decide whether or not the case was prosecuted.    This gave the batterer the opportunity to control the case by threatening the victim.   Now, with the help of additional investigation we often are able to go forward with the prosecution without the victim's cooperation, thereby avoiding control by the batterer and risk to the victim.

In addition, we are able to provide assistance through the legal process with a victim advocate.   This person will be able to accompany you to proceedings, educate you in the legal process, and assist you in applying for Temporary Protective Orders.

This web page has been prepared to briefly explain the legal process of criminal cases, educate you about domestic violence, provide you safety measures to help guard against domestic violence, and provide other resources.

Domestic Violence is a pattern of abuse that occurs in violent family relationships.   Researchers have named this pattern "The Cycle of Violence."   The cycle is made up of three stages as shown below:

1.    Stage one is characterized by tension building.     The batterer may slam doors, break the victim's prized possessions or make threats.   The victim tries to appease the batterer, but the stress continues to build no matter what is done.  The couple needs separation at this point.

2.    Stage two is battering.   The batterer may physically, emotionally, or sexually abuse the victim.  The battering episode may last a few minutes, hours, or days.

3.    Stage three is the  honeymoon  stage.    In a continued effort to exert power and control over the victim, the batterer becomes loving and apologizes.  The batterer may give the victim gifts and promises that the abuse will never happen again.  The batterer can be very convincing to the victim and others.  The batterer denies responsibility for the attack and blames the victim for provoking it.   The honeymoon stage will not last, and the cycle of violence usually begins again.   Although this stage exists in most battering relationships, it is not always present, and it tends to diminish as the cycle of abuse continues.

Unless there is some kind of intervention, the tension will start building again and the cycle will continue over and over.

1. Hit, punch, slap, kick, shove, bite, or smack you?
2. Threaten to hurt or abduct your children?
3. Threaten to or hurt friends/family?
4. Appear overly jealous?
5. Prevent you from seeing friends/family?
6. Destroy your personal property or sentimental items?
7. Appear to have a Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde personality?
8. Use intimation or manipulation to control you or your children?
9. Humiliate you in private or public (name calling, etc.)?
10. Demand that you report your whereabouts and who you talk to?
11. Treat you as if you are a possession?
12. Say to you "I am the only one who could or would love you?"
13. Warn you not to talk to a therapist, physician, or anyone in authority?
14. Accuse you of being unfaithful?
15. Force or coerce you to engage in sexual acts you do not wish to engage in?
16. Deny you access to family assets such as bank accounts, credit cards, or cash?
17. Have sudden outbursts of anger or rage?
18. Stalk or follow you?

Your safety is important to us.  If any of the above examples sound familiar to you, please consider the possibility that you may be at risk of receiving physical bodily harm from your partner and take precautions.  If you are a victim of domestic violence, remember:

You are not alone

You are not to blame

You can get help

A victim of domestic violence should:

1.       If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.  Don’t wait.

2.       Get medical attention promptly.

3.       Save evidence to document the abuse.  This includes medical records, photographs of injuries, damaged personal property, etc.

4.       Create a Safety Plan so you’ll be ready when you see the warning signs that abuse is imminent.

5.       Report you abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agency, the Domestic Violence Unit, or other appropriate agency.

1.      Investigate your case, document your injuries, and, if appropriate, make sure that the offender is arrested and prosecuted.

2.      Help keep the offender from contacting or harassing you through the use of bond conditions, restraining order and protective orders.

3.      Put you in touch with a battered women’s shelter.

4.      Help you find counseling and other assistance.

5.      Educate you about the criminal justice system and keep you informed of court dates and the status of your case.

6.      Help you obtain compensation for medical and counseling expenses, lost wages, and other expenses through the Georgia Crime Victim Compensation Fund (link?) or through Court ordered restitution to be paid by the offender.

Emergency

911

Domestic Violence Hotline

800-334-2836

North West Georgia Crisis Center

706-278-5586

Domestic Violence Unit

706-272-2911

Georgia Highlands

706-272-2305

Hamilton Medical Center

Memorial Drive, Dalton, Georgia 

706-272-6000

Murray Medical Center

707 Old Ellijay Road, Chatsworth, Georgia

706-695-4564

• Think about all possible escape routes.   Doors, first-floor windows, basement exits, elevators, stairwells.  Rehearse if possible.
• Choose a place to go.   To the home of a friend or relative who will offer unconditional support, or a motel or hotel, or a shelter - most importantly somewhere you will feel safe.
• Pack a survival kit.   Money for cab fare, a change of clothes, extra house and car keys, birth certificates, passports, medications and copies of prescriptions, insurance information, checkbook, credit cards, legal documents such as separation agreements and protection orders, address books, and valuable jewelry, and papers that show jointly owned assets.  Conceal it in the home or leave it with a trusted neighbor, friend or relative.  Important papers can also be left in a bank deposit box.
• Try to start an individual savings account.   Have statements sent to a trusted relative or friend.
• Avoid arguments with the abuser in areas with potential weapons..   Kitchen, garage, or in small spaces without access to an outside door.
• Know the telephone number of the domestic violence hotline.    Contact it for information on resources and legal rights.
• Review the safety plan monthly.