By Rosanna Szabo | LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., May 12, 2015 — A few days before Christmas, George was arrested for simple battery and criminal trespass. He refused to leave Anna’s Lilburn apartment and pushed past her, causing her to fall to the ground. He wanted to see their baby and would not leave until he hac.
Szabo
Anna was scared and when she tried to call 911, George grabbed her phone and broke it, but not before the call was connected. Minutes later, police arrived and arrested George on the scene. A month later, they were married and Anna wants the charges dropped; “He didn’t hurt anyone and he needs to work,” she told prosecutors. Two months later, the case is called for trial and Anna is a no show. The case cannot be proved without her testimony.
Is she safe? Will there be a next time? Will the next time be worse? She needs help. He needs help too.
In 2014, the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office provided services to 5,138 misdemeanor crime victims. Of those, 2,966 were victims of battery, simple battery, or simple assault. More than 70 percent of those were victims of family violence.
Family violence means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household: any felony; or commission of the offenses of battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, or criminal trespass. Many people are surprised to learn that the majority of family violence cases are misdemeanors, not felonies.
The Solicitor’s Office has a certified Victim Assistance Program to provide services to crime victims. The Solicitor’s Office can help with compensation, safety planning, and referrals. Crime victims can call 770-822-8300 and ask to speak to an advocate. Or visit www.gwinnettsolicitor.com for detailed information under the helpful links tab.
But the Solicitor’s Office can’t do it alone. We need the help of the whole community in order to hold batterers accountable and make victims safer. Don’t be silent.
Are you afraid of your partner? Do you apologize for your partner’s behavior? Does your partner put you down or call you names? Do you have to account for your daily activities? Have you been injured by your partner? Has your partner threatened you? Do you avoid family or friends to avoid conflict? Does your partner prevent you from getting a job? Or, if you work, does your partner control the money? Does your partner blame you for the abuse?
If you recognize these symptoms; it is not your fault. It will not stop without help, and help is available. You are not alone.
If you or someone you know needs help breaking the cycle of violence, there are excellent services in Gwinnett County. For help, visit the Partnership Against Domestic Violence at www.padv.org or call their 24 hour crisis line at 770-963-9799.
Together, we can Stop Domestic Violence.
Rosanna Szabo is Gwinnett County’s solicitor.
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