What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Georgia? 2025

Domestic violence crimes in Georgia are investigated, prosecuted, and sentenced harshly in the state to discourage people from harming others with whom they share a household or intimate relationship. For people who are facing charges, however, the implications of a domestic violence charge can be potentially threatening to all aspects of their lives. People dealing with recent arrests or charges commonly ask: What is considered domestic violence in Georgia?

By understanding the legal definition of domestic violence in the state, defendants can work to protect their rights and interests, building up strong criminal defense cases. Equip yourself with the most up-to-date knowledge about Georgia’s domestic violence laws and procedures. A domestic violence lawyer can guide you through the complexities of your case, ensuring that your rights are protected at every step of the process.

Domestic Violence Defined by Georgia Law

Domestic violence is defined under Georgia state law as an act of physical harm or the threat of physical harm against a household, family member, or intimate partner. Charges for domestic violence can be linked to a variety of offenses, including battery, attempted battery, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault. It’s important to note that even if no signs of physical harm are present, domestic violence charges can still be brought forward under Georgia’s Domestic Violence Laws.

In Georgia, specific accounts of violence happen when a physically harmful or threatening act is carried out against a person that the defendant has certain relationships with. These types of relationships can include the following:

• Parents and children.
• Step-parents and step-children.
• Foster parents and foster children.
• Spouses or ex-spouses.
• People who share a child together.
• Other family members.
• People who are living together or have lived together.
• A romantic partnership that occurred within 12 months of the incident.

It’s important to note that reasonable use of physical harm to punish a child is permitted in Georgia.

Individuals charged with Georgia domestic violence crimes should have a skilled attorney review their case to determine whether the evidence brought forward is sufficient for a domestic violence charge. This review can also help clarify any misunderstandings about the situation. A breakdown of the domestic violence laws in Georgia can provide individuals with a clear understanding of the charges they face and the potential consequences.

The Many Faces of Domestic Violence in Georgia

Domestic violence cases can involve a variety of crimes, including those that involve instances of physical abuse, sexual abuse, threats of violence, stalking, or harassment. Physical abuse can involve choking, pushing, hitting, kicking, or slapping a family or household member to harm or intimidate them.

Sexual abuse crimes, such as rape or sexual assault, can also be linked to domestic violence cases in Georgia. These crimes could have enhanced penalties if they are classified as instances of domestic violence, with the potential for harsh prison sentences, hefty fines, and, depending on the situation, mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Crimes like stalking or threatening violence can cause emotional or psychological distress and may also be linked to domestic violence cases. While they do not leave visible marks, they can lead to criminal charges for assault or terroristic threats.

Facing Domestic Violence Charges in Georgia? You Could Experience Severe Criminal Penalties

People who are accused of committing domestic violence crimes in Georgia can face life-altering criminal penalties and collateral consequences. The sentencing for a domestic violence case is dependent on whether the associated charges are classified as a felony or misdemeanor, as well as the experience of the legal representative and the defendant’s criminal history. In addition to facing a permanent criminal record, defendants can face restraining orders. Defending against domestic violence allegations requires a careful examination of the evidence, potential defenses, and legal strategies to protect the defendant’s rights and interests.

FAQs:

What is Defined as Domestic Violence Under Georgia Law?

Under Georgia law, domestic violence is defined as the threat of physical harm or the infliction of physical harm itself against a household member, family member, or intimate partner. Domestic violence crimes can span a variety of offenses, including harassment, stalking, intimidation, and physical or emotional abuse. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, a criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the specific charges you are facing.

Who Qualifies as a “Household Member” for Domestic Violence Cases in Georgia?

For domestic violence cases in Georgia, household members can include individuals such as foster parents, parents, children, step-parents, step-children, spouses, ex-spouses, and people who have lived in the same residence together prior to the events. Romantic or intimate partners can also be considered household members for domestic violence cases even if they do not live together, as long as a clear romantic history is established.

What Types of Actions Are Considered Domestic Violence in Georgia?

In Georgia, there are a variety of actions that can be considered domestic violence, which can range in severity. Examples include harassment, psychological or emotional abuse, physical assault, and sexual abuse. Any action that instills the fear of harm or constitutes harm against the household member can be considered domestic violence.

Is Verbal Abuse Considered Domestic Violence in Georgia?

Yes, verbal abuse can be considered domestic violence in Georgia if it includes specific threats or intimidating means that cause household members to reasonably fear that they will be physically harmed. To prove that a verbal statement constitutes domestic violence, ample and accurate evidence will need to be demonstrated.

Furthermore, if the prosecution proves a pattern of ongoing abusive behavior that causes a victim to fear for their safety, this may constitute domestic violence charges.

Does Georgia Recognize Stalking as a Form of Domestic Violence?

Yes, in Georgia, stalking is considered to be a form of domestic violence if it involves repeatedly contacting, harassing, or following a romantic partner or household member with the intent to instill fear or emotional distress. Stalking charges may be brought forward in tandem with other types of charges that are part of a larger domestic violence case.

Get Help With Your Domestic Violence Case from Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC

Facing domestic violence charges can be shocking and overwhelming, especially if they come from out of the blue. An experienced criminal defense lawyer from Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can help you optimally navigate the situation, helping you leverage legal techniques to protect your rights and interests and fight for a positive case result. From negotiating with prosecutors to relating fiercely in the courts. We are here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.