Domestic violence is a devastating, physically and emotionally crushing act that can change the course of a person’s life. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the ideal time to discuss not only what domestic violence is but what to do if you are a victim.
Georgia Family Law Attorney Sharon Jackson LLC provides one-on-one support and guidance to victims, ensuring that they get the legal representation they deserve no matter what type of domestic violence they are facing.
Under Georgia’s 19-13-1- Family Violence Statute, the term family violence refers to any type of act between past or present spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or others living together or formerly living together within the same household.
It is a felony in Georgia if convicted. To be charged, a person could be engaged in any of the following actions:
Keep in mind that domestic violence may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, or financial abuse.
In Georgia, raising domestic violence awareness means knowing just how often it occurs. In many situations, victims do not make statements until the incidents have increased in risk. Consider the following statistics from the Georgia Commission on Family Violence for 2023.
Consider some of the warning signs of domestic violence:
In any situation where you feel threatened, suffer physical injuries, or face emotional trauma, you could be facing domestic violence. Do not wait to seek help in these situations.
Domestic violence has a long-term impact on many people in the family. It creates emotional trauma and psychological effects on each victim within the family. That includes feelings of fear, tension, and instability. Some people may also suffer from depression or anxiety.
In addition, there are numerous long-term consequences for children. It can have a long-lasting impact on another person’s self-esteem, future relationships, and overall quality of life. Children may suffer from emotional trauma that impacts their own healthy relationships for the rest of their lives. Emotional abuse can also be passed on from one generation to the next.
There is help available to victims of physical and emotional abuse in Georgia. If you are at risk right now, call 911 or go to a local police station for immediate help. You can also visit any hospital or medical center for immediate guidance.
Under the state’s laws, victims have legal rights to take action against those who hurt them. This falls under Georgia’s Family Violence Act: O.C.G.A. 19-13-30 – 19-13-34. One of the rights that victims have is to seek out a temporary protective order (TPO) to protect them. It is a type of restraining order or protective order. These are designed to stop an alleged abuser from coming into contact with the victim.
To obtain protective orders, you must file a petition in civil court, and it must then be granted by a judge. If put in place, the accused must leave the home. Violations of these orders carry long-term jail sentences and fines of up to $1,000.
If you need help right now, you can contact the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, a state program designed to offer Legal Aid in insight to victims.
There are resources beyond legal guidance to help those who need help right now. Start with a call to Georgia’s 24-hour statewide domestic violence hotline at 1.800.33.HAVEN (1.800.334.2836) V/TTY. This program enables you to get help to leave dangerous situations or to help your family members with the hands-on support they need.
If you need a place to stay, consider DomesticShelters.org, which offers some help in finding the local programs currently available within your city or community.
Legal protections exist. Protective orders are possible. Yet, victims need support in making that decision to get help and get out of a difficult situation. That is never simple to do, but family and friends can help.
When a person is harassed, stalked, threatened with violence, or abused, they may request a court order that legally requires the aggressor to stay away. In Georgia, there are two primary types of court orders regarding family protection: Temporary Ex Parte Order (also known as Temporary Restraining Order or TRO) and Family Violence Protective Order.
Offer your loved one an opportunity to get help. You may be able to provide them with insight into how they can leave a damaging situation or how they can get help for emotional abuse. What is most important in these situations is to take action to support them when they need it the most.
Additionally, work to raise domestic violence education in the community. Teaching people what is okay and what is not okay is critical to fostering a safe future for the next generation. You can also speak out and work to break the stigma that exists or become an advocate for policy changes and community programs that support victims.
If you are a victim of domestic violence in Georgia, you have the right to speak out for help. At Attorney Sharon Jackson LLC, an experienced Georgia family law and restraining order attorney, is ready to help you. We work with men and women facing domestic violence by providing hands-on support and guidance. If you are a victim or need guidance, contact our offices now to learn more about your rights. Call 678-436-3636 now to speak to a family law attorney.
Attorney Sharon Jackson LLC
175 Langley Drive, Suite A1
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: (678) 909-4100
