Domestic Violence Awareness Month Recognized in Atlanta
On behalf of Raymond Giudice, P.C. posted in Violent Crimes on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
While most Georgia residents know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, thanks to numerous events and the signature pink branding showing up on various products, fewer people know that it is also National Domestic Violence Awareness month.
Atlanta's Spelman College has held an event to recognize the month and other victims' advocates groups are also connecting here in Georgia throughout October in a display of unity against domestic violence. While it is imperative to prevent battery and other forms of abuse, October also provides an opportunity to speak out against false accusations and criminal defendant's rights.
While it has been estimated that one in three American women report being abused by a boyfriend or husband at some point in their lives, we do know that in some cases domestic violence allegations are made out of anger or spite, or for some other reason they are not legitimate. But, because domestic violence is such a serious and dangerous issue, police and prosecutors in Georgia are tasked with taking each and every report very seriously.
The consequences are steep following domestic violence accusations, and even when a loved one recants his or her story, the state of Georgia will often press charges anyway. This is why it is of the utmost importance for those accused of battery or family abuse to protect their rights and freedom by exercising their right to criminal defense counsel. In the aftermath of a domestic violence accusation, consequences can begin immediately with a damaged reputation. But, it is important to remember that people are innocent until proven guilty.
Source: Huffington Post, "Angela Davis and the Culture of Domestic Violence," Dion Rabouin, Oct. 3, 2012