In some circumstances, law enforcement will be required to act even if you do not ask them to do so. Please know that Georgetown PD Victim Services is here to help you by providing information and support. You are not alone.

NOTICE TO ADULT VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

It is a crime for any person to cause you any physical injury or harm even if that person is a member of your family or household. Please tell the investigating peace officer:

• If you, your child, or any other household resident has been injured; or
• If you feel you are going to be in danger when the officer leaves, or later.
•  If an individual interfered with your emergency telephone call (knowingly interfering with another individual’s ability to place an emergency telephone call to request assistance or recklessly rendering a telephone unusable that would otherwise be used to call for emergency assistance).

You have the right to:

• ASK the local prosecutor to file a criminal complaint against the person committing family violence.
• APPLY to a court for an order to protect you (you should consult a legal aid office, a prosecuting attorney, or a private attorney). If a family or household member assaults you and is arrested, you may request that a magistrate’s order for emergency protection be issued.  Please inform the investigating officer if you want an order for emergency protection.  You need not be present when the order is issued.  You cannot be charged a fee by a court in connection with filing, serving, or entering a protective order.
• For example, the court can enter an order that:

(1) the abuser does not commit further acts of violence.

(2) the abuser does not threaten, harass, or contact you at home.

(3) directs the abuser to leave your household; and

(4) establishes temporary custody of the children and directs the abuser not to interfere with the                            children or any property.

A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF COURT-ORDERED PROTECTION (such as (1) and (2) above) MAY BE A FELONY.

IMPACT OF FAMILY VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN

Children who are exposed to family violence, either by seeing/hearing it, or witnessing the aftermath (destroyed property, marks, or bruises on their caretaker), may experience a variety of feelings: guilt, anger helplessness, sadness, and fear. Some behaviors you may observe in your child include irritability, clinginess, aggression, withdrawal, nightmares, changes in sleeping patterns, or school problems. Some children will not show any obvious signs that they are affected by the violence, but they still need support and reassurance that the violence is not their fault.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POWER WHEEL