“One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart.”

— Linda Poindexter

Family Violence

Domestic or dating violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors that one partner uses to get power and control over the other. These behaviors can include but are not limited to physical violence or threat of physical violence, emotional or mental abuse and sexual abuse (Siemieniuk et al., 2010).

Healthy Relationship Boundaries

Physical
Maintaining good physical boundaries in a relationship is very important. These boundaries can be about personal space, or physical property. For example, squeezing someone’s arms when upset is a violation of a physical boundary. Breaking someone’s things when you want to hurt them is a similar boundary violation. Healthy relationships work to respect all physical boundaries, and not to inflict physical harm unto each other.

Emotional
Healthy emotional relationships can exist when emotional boundaries of all parties are being respected and maintained. Consider your own boundaries regarding emotions, emotional memories, and emotional conversations. An example of an emotional boundary might be that someone prefers to take space when they feel upset so they can clear their heads, though this is contrary to the common practice of “talking it out”, this boundary should still be respected.

Sexual
Healthy sexual relationships should include consent from all parties included. Informed consent can only happen if everyone knows they can say “no” or back out at any time without penalty, did not feel pestered into performing sexual acts, and is on the same emotional and intellectual level. Asking for consent also means being completely transparent about the things about to happen.

Local Resources

Gateway
Offers emergency shelter and transitional housing
Crisis Hotline: (770) 536-5860
https://www.gatewaydvcenter.org/

United Way 2-1-1
connection to a list of resources per your zip code
http://211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/

AHIMSA House
Shelter for pets while you get safe, can also help find you resources
https://ahimsahouse.org/

National Center for Victims of Crime
Can assist victims of crime to help rebuild their lives
Resource for assisting victims of stalking
https://victimsofcrime.org/