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1 1 in 3 American women will experience some form of abuse during her lifetime. This single statistic is reason enough to ensure that young girls and women recognize the signs of abuse before becoming entangled in a web of violence. 2 Isolation is a precursor and a hallmark of abuse. The abuser disparages family, friends, co-workers or anyone who threatens his control. To "narrow her field," he may frown upon her working outside the home and/or socializing with anyone but him. 3 Abuser profiles vary, but patterns of abuse do not. Abusive behavior is consistent and progressive. It starts small, even imperceptibly, but escalates and intensifies. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) reports that domestic violence hotlines typically field 20,000 calls daily, and on average, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. 4 Abuse occurs among women of every age, race, religion and socioeconomic level. Abuse happens throughout Middle Georgia — in North Macon as well as in South, East and West Macon. Wealthy, prominent women are not immune, and Crisis Line & Safe House provides care and respite for seemingly unlikely victims. 5 Whether abuse is physical, sexual, emotional or a combination, there are two certainties: Abuse is ALWAYS about power and control and is NEVER the victim's fault. 6 There's a strong correlation between homicides and intimate partner relationships that begin at a young age. The 2013 Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Project reports that 51 percent of homicide victims were between the ages of 13 and 24 when the relationship began. 7 There are many forms of abuse, and they can change over time. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or a combination. While some abusers batter their partner or weaponize sex, others never strike an intimate partner. Some display violence early in the relationship, eventually replacing physicality with psychological and emotional abuse. A scowl is sufficient to keep the victim in check. 8 Emotional abuse is another distinct kind of terror that leaves victims off balance and in constant fear. Experts agree this can be more difficult to heal from than physical wounds. Some of Crisis Line's most broken clients are emotionally, verbally or economically abused, kept in line with threats, manipulation and intimidation. 9 In 1993, marital rape became a crime in all 50 states. Today, according to federal law, if you are a victim of domestic violence, you are a crime victim. 10 Sexual battery (unwanted contact with an intimate body part associated with sex), sexual assault and rape can occur within a relationship or with a stranger. With sexual assault, there's a use of force, threats and/or intimidation, but above all, no consent. Any unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact – or attempt – is illegal. Lack of consent, whether stated or expressed, or in the case of incapacitation or unconsciousness, means no consent. 10 FACTS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Complimentary landscaping consultations Open Mon-Fri 9-5 p.m. Sat 9-5 p.m. • Closed Sun Business and residential container planting service available 3131 US-41, FORSYTH, GA 31029 • 478.808.0513 • GREAT GIFTS FOR THE GARDENER! • GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 | maconmagazine.com 37