Atlanta family law attorneys are often asked about the definition of family violence, and whether they are a victim under the laws of Georgia. In Georgia, "family violence" is defined broadly. The legal definition includes an occurrence of a felony or commission of battery, simply battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, or criminal trespass. OCGA ยง19-13-1(1) and (2). The statute also provides for a wide range of "family" relationships that qualify, and includes "acts between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household." Id.This definition of family violence extends to include roommates or previous roommates.
If you feel that you have been in a family violence situation or are currently going through a family violence situation, we highly recommend that you contact our Atlanta family law attorneys to discus obtaining a temporary protective order.
By Emily Yu, Associate Attorney, Meriwether & Tharp LLC