Last updated on November 15, 2023
To help ensure accuracy, this page was written, edited and is periodically reviewed by a knowledgeable team of legal writers per our editorial guidelines. It was approved for publication by founding attorney Samuel Siemon, who has amassed extensive experience as a Georgia family law attorney. Our last modified date shows when the page underwent a review.
Common Questions About Domestic Violence
When a person feels unsafe in their home or personal life, it can affect every other aspect of their life – from their relationships to their finances and career. The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C. in Atlanta understands that domestic abuse cases are complicated. Despite the challenging nature of these cases, our lawyers can work with you to resolve your case.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse and sexual abuse: Hitting, punching, kicking, burning, throwing objects, restraining or attacking with a weapon
- Verbal abuse: Ignoring, frequent lying, threatening, mocking or insulting
- Financial abuse: Destroying property, sabotaging the person’s job, preventing the person from going to school or work, withholding income or withholding access to money or property
- Emotional abuse: Distancing the other person from their friends and family, controlling the person’s whereabouts or use of social contact tools, intimidating the person or manipulating the person
- Stalking and other harassment: Showing up uninvited at the person’s home or workplace, making frequent unwanted contact or tracking the person’s whereabouts
Georgia’s Family Violence Act protects adults and children who face domestic abuse. Whether during a divorce, in a child custody case or otherwise, you can seek a protective order to shield you from further harm.
What are the first steps to report domestic violence or abuse?
Courts throughout Georgia take family violence reports seriously. If you face an emergency situation, call 911 immediately for your safety.
Regardless of an emergency, you can call a lawyer for urgent assistance to seek a temporary protective order. This order can prevent the other party from contacting or living with you while the court examines your case to reach a final assessment.
Domestic violence cases can have two sides: a civil case and a criminal case. The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C. has experience in both types of cases. If you are considering your legal options, we can help you take your case one step at a time.
I have been falsely accused of domestic violence. What do I do?
Because Georgia law treats family violence so seriously, defending yourself against allegations of abuse will require skillful legal representation. The outcome of your case can affect many areas of your life, including your freedom, access to your children or the results of a pending divorce.
Get The Answers You Need
Domestic violence is a serious matter. Do not make assumptions about the law. Instead, call an experienced attorney at 770-888-5120 or email The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C. for a case review. We have four office locations across the greater Atlanta area, including in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Cumming and Marietta.
