Articles Posted in Family Violence

What Is “Family Violence” Under Georgia Law?

Georgia law uses the term “family violence” to describe certain crimes that occur between people with specific relationships, not just married couples. It can apply to spouses, former spouses, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, people who share a child, and people who live or formerly lived in the same household.

It does not usually apply to casual roommates or distant relatives with no household connection. The same basic criminal statutes (like battery or assault) apply, but “family violence” is a label that triggers additional consequences and court procedures.