It is inevitable that people who are relationships will argue. Verbal arguments are a natural part of relationships, and many people in relationships even get into yelling matches. Often, these arguments are about things that annoy one person about the other. Other times, the arguments are about something one partner wants to change. Regardless what the arguments are about, they happen.
When the Arguing Turns to Fighting
Then, there are those relationships that see arguments and fights move past the verbal and turn into physical altercations that cause physical injuries and emotional stress. In Georgia, there are already laws that prohibit domestic violence and penalize the partners in the relationships who are violent. Now, the Georgia House of Representatives is considering adding a new penalty for domestic violence perpetrators.
The New Georgia Bill
The House has introduced a bill that takes into consideration that domestic violence altercations often end with the catastrophic use of guns. The bill, HB541, would prohibit anyone who has been convicted of a domestic violence offense from owning a gun. It also will prohibit anyone who has been subject to a protection order due to domestic violence from owning a gun.
Too Little, Too Late
What this bill does not do, however, is protect the people who are in domestic violence relationships with someone who has never been convicted of the crime. If a partner who is violent has never been convicted of domestic violence, he or she will not be included under this new bill and can often get his or her hands on a gun legally. It is important for victims of domestic violence to understand that they are in a serious situation that can become volatile and deadly.
What Can Victims Do?
Victims of domestic violence have several options to protect themselves and their children. One of the first steps that victims can take is to report the violence to the police. Once the report has been made, they can also obtain a protection order to ensure that the perpetrator cannot come near them and the children. These orders prohibit the perpetrator from having any contact, or even being in the general vicinity of the victim. If the violent offender violates the order, there are criminal penalties that can be imposed, as long as the victim reports it.
Sadly, many victims do not report the violence, nor do they report any violations of orders, often forgiving the very people who keeps hurting them. This is something that our Georgia lawmakers know and understand. Our attorneys at Vayman and Teitelbaum are also aware of all of the raw emotions that are involved in domestic violence situations, and we are here to guide victims through the necessary steps to ensure their safety and regain their lives. Contact us today for a case evaluation at (678) 736-7700.