Dove, Inc.

Have you ever had a victim of domestic violence try and open-up to you about their abuse and you not know what to say or how to handle it? Have you found yourself asking a victim of domestic violence, “why do you stay?” Moultrie County Dove Office understands that without being properly trained on domestic violence and best domestic violence practices, it is hard to know what to say or do when a victim of domestic violence finally decides to open-up to you about their abuse and we want you to be better prepared. Asking a victim of domestic violence “why do you stay” can place emphasis in the wrong place and make the victim feel as if they have done something wrong. In all actuality, there are many reasons victims of domestic violence stay in and return to abusive relationships. Victims of domestic violence stay in abusive relationships for fear for their personal safety and the safety and well-being of their children. Statistics show that a victim of domestic violence is at a 75%

In working with victims of domestic violence in assisting them with competing paperwork for an Order of Protection, Legal Advocates report there has been an increase in reports of many cases where the individual has been strangled by their abuser.   Does any of this sound familiar or do you know someone who is experiencing any of these symptoms?     Has your partner ever put their hands around your neck, put you in a “sleeper hold” or used anything else to strangle you like a scarf, necklace, belt, rope, etc.? Strangulation can be very serious!   Symptoms of strangulation include: a sore throat difficulty swallowing neck pain hoarseness bruising on the neck or behind your ears discoloration on your tongue ringing in your ears bloodshot eyes dizziness memory loss drooling nausea or vomiting difficulty breathing incontinence a seizure a miscarriage changes in mood or personality, like agitation or aggression changes in sleep patterns changes