A restraining order, sometimes called a protective order, offers protection to victims of abuse, stalking, or harassment. Once in place, the order legally stops perpetrators from directly or indirectly contacting their victims or continuing the cycle of threatening, harassing, stalking, or abusing their victims.

Georgia law allows citizens to file for three types of restraining orders based on the circumstances:

  1. Family violence protective orders
  2. Stalking protective orders
  3. Employer protective orders

1. Family Violence Protective Orders

A family violence protective order can shield family members from domestic violence or other forms of abuse caused by a perpetrator within the family. The abuser can be a spouse, family member, or non-relative living within the same house as the petitioner and must commit an act of violence against at least one other person in the home.

Domestic acts of violence can include:

  • Assault, including simple
  • Battery, including simple
  • Criminal damage to property in the 1st or 2nd degree
  • Criminal trespass
  • Emotional abuse
  • Felony crimes committed within the home
  • Stalking

2. Stalking Protective Orders

A stalking protective order offers protection against any form of stalking. Whether the victim knows the perpetrator personally or not, they can file a petition to the court to halt any stalking behaviors or threats imposed by the stalker.

Stalking behaviors against victims can include:

  • Damaging their property
  • Following their movements
  • Harassing them
  • Surveilling them
  • Threatening or endangering their life

3. Employer Protective Orders

An employer protective order is for victims who have experienced assault, battery, stalking, or any other threat of violence at their places of employment. The perpetrator does not have to be connected to the workplace or the victim, meaning the abuser can be a coworker, customer, stranger, family member, etc. Additionally, the victim can be an employee, customer, contractor, or other “invitee” to the workplace or job site.

Unlike a family violence or stalking protective order, an employer protective order must be filed by the employer on the employee’s behalf.

If you need to protect yourself, your family, or your workplace from danger, talk to EMC Family Law about obtaining a restraining order.

Our expert legal team understands protective order laws in Georgia, and our attorneys can help you establish safety and security moving forward. Schedule a consultation with us today: 770-225-7000