DV Atlantans Choices telephone survey/Ga/ web site
Domestic Violence What 2,543 regional Atlantans said in a recent Metro Voices, Metro Choices telephone survey 28 percent say "a lot" of work needs to be done in their community when it comes to "reducing domestic violence." An additional 31 percent say that "some" work needs to be done. 72 percent believe that individuals in their community can have "a lot" (39 percent) or "some" (33 percent) impact in helping solve problems around this issue. Among those who call this an important issue, 20 percent have been personally involved doing something in the past year to help. An additional 35 percent say they are likely to get involved in the future. Why it matters Family violence is harmful–sometimes fatal–but preventable. It takes many forms including physical abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse and sexual abuse. It also is correlated to many expensive and tragic problems such as homelessness, chemical dependency, suicide and mental illness. Despite how common this serious issue is, many myths persist about what the victims could have done to "prevent" or "avoid" the violence. The state of family violence in metro Atlanta In 2003, at least 132 Georgians lost their lives in domestic violence incidents. Georgia ranked 19th in the country in females murdered by males in single-victim/single-offender incidents. Metro Atlantans can make a major difference by removing the stigma of and myths about family violence. What you can do Work with a local family violence program. Set up a workshop or seminar on family violence in your place of employment or worship. Sign up with your state coalition to contact legislators when federal and state bills come up concerning affected victims, their children and the programs that serve them. Organizations working to to address domestic violence Georgia Council Against Domestic Violence Provides training, technical assistance and policy work, special projects such the 800.33.HAVEN state hotline, transitional housing, state legal assistance and other services. www.gcadv.org Men Stopping Violence A social change organization that trains professionals to intervene with violent men, educates the public, teaches parenting skills, mentors interns and publishes articles. www.menstoppingviolence.org Partnership Against Domestic Violence Offers shelter for battered women and their children, helps to restore power, self-sufficiency and control to domestic violence survivors and educates the public on the dynamics of domestic violence. www.padv.org Tapestri Tapestri is dedicated to ending violence and oppression in immigrant and refugee communities, using culturally competent and appropriate methods. www.tapestri.org View information from The Ad Council regarding domestic violence prevention The Ad Council: Domestic Violence Prevention Campaign www.adcouncil.org/campaigns/Domestic_Violence_Prevention