I am the research and communications coordinator for the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. The recent article, “PTC man faces 15 charges for assault on wife,” was exceptional.

As a domestic violence agency, we encounter much writing and reporting that blames victims, disregards the violence that has occurred, and sensationalizes individual stories. Additionally, many reports of domestic violence never call it by its name.

It is refreshing to see such a well-written article about domestic violence survivors and the challenges they face. Your article in The Citizen gave a powerful public voice to the societal problem of domestic violence in our community.

Domestic violence, which can be defined as one person’s abuse of power and control over his or her intimate partner, happens every day in Georgia. No community or family is immune to it.

Domestic violence abusers use a range of abusive tactics to terrorize their partner, from threats, intimidation, and isolation to verbal, physical, and sexual assault.

Furthermore, every community must recognize that any domestic violence situation has the potential to end in murder. In 2008, our organization knows of 110 deaths in Georgia that have resulted from domestic violence. In 2007, there were 111 known deaths in Georgia due to domestic violence.

Your responsible and educated coverage of domestic violence and the barriers victims face will not be forgotten by victims and survivors.

Your community should be commended for working to keep this victim of domestic violence safe and holding the abuser accountable for his violence and intimidation.

Our office holds a wealth of information and contacts about domestic violence, including information about the many services available at local domestic violence agencies, and the statewide, confidential domestic violence hotline number, 1.800.33.HAVEN (voice/tty).

Thank you very much for your attention to this important issue.

Maggie Beck-Coon

Research and communications coordinator

Georgia Commission on Family Violence

Atlanta, Ga.

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