The term domestic violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction; or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction.

In an emergency, victims of domestic violence should call 911 or contact state or local law enforcement officials who can respond to these crimes. Individuals in need of non-emergency assistance can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org.

In Georgia, domestic violence is defined under the Family Violence Act and includes certain criminal offenses between past or current intimate partners, such as spouses, persons who have a child in common, or cohabitants. It encompasses acts of physical violence, threats, stalking, and other forms of abuse. Georgia law provides for protective orders to safeguard victims from their abusers, which can include orders to vacate a shared residence, stay away from the victim, and temporary custody arrangements when children are involved. Victims of domestic violence in Georgia should call 911 in emergencies to receive immediate assistance from law enforcement. For non-emergency support, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Additionally, victims may seek legal remedies through the court system, and they may benefit from consulting with an attorney who specializes in family or domestic violence law to navigate the legal process and ensure their rights are protected.