Click here for printable version. Protective Orders   The Family Violence Act (OCGA 19-13-1) was passed in 1981 by the Georgia General Assembly and is designed to permit victims of family violence to obtain Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) which can restrain the abusive person from further acts of violence and harassment. The law makes it illegal for past or present spouses, 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 to batter each other. Battering is any offensive, unlawful touching or physical contact of an insulting, provoking nature. Battering includes, but is not limited to, hitting, punching, kicking, shoving, sexual abuse or assault, slapping, pushing, holding, stalking, kidnapping, or threatening to do any of these or other acts. Stalking occurs when someone follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person. Family violence includes all forms of child abuse, elder abuse and partner abuse. The term "family violence" does not include reasonable discipline administered by a parent to a child in the form of corporal punishment, restraint or detention. You MAY be eligible for a court order which MAY: Order the batterer to stop the violent acts; Give you exclusive possession of the residence and the possessions (no matter whose name it is in); Order the eviction of the batterer from the residence; Award temporary custody of minor children and establishes temporary visitation rights. Order child support for minor children; Order support for the victim (if married); Order the batterer to refrain from harassing or interfering with the other; Order the batterer to a drug/alcohol treatment program; Order the batterer to a certified batterers' intervention program; Award court costs and attorney's fees Require batterer to provide suitable alternative housing for you and the minor children; Prohibit batterer from canceling utilities, cable, telephone, insurance, etc. Obtaining a Protective Order To obtain a protective order contact a legal advocate at CFVC. 770.479.1804 Click here for printable version.