According to the Georgia Council on Child Abuse, on average in Georgia, two children die each month as a result of abuse, and an additional two die from suspected maltreatment. Nationally, in 1996, nearly three children died every day from physical abuse and neglect. Domestic violence is another problem that has manifested in the Garnett Ridge neighborhood. The high incidence of domestic violence in the neighborhood has much to do with cultural differences. The machismo culture of Latin American countries stereotypically consists of strong men and submissive women, Gaudin says.
Domestic violence crosses all cultural lines, however, and is prevalent state and nationwide.
The Georgia Department of Human Resources statistics reveal that more than 52,000 Georgians called crisis lines to report incidences of domestic violence in 1996 in Georgia. Nationwide, the statistics are equally significant. A woman is physically abused every 9 seconds in the United States. Working on Solutions Faculty and staff at the School of Social Work will work to stop spousal abuse and child abuse and neglect by creating a women's support group to address domestic violence and other topics pertinent to women, such as health issues. Apparently, much of this abuse stems from substance abuse, so the Support Center will hold adult and youth meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and meetings for abusers of other drugs.