Temporary Protective Order

What is a Temporary Protective Order? A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a legal document issued by a court to help victims obtain protection from persons abusing, harassing, or stalking them. This order will generally state that one person is prohibited from having contact with another person and may even remove or restrict someone from a certain place or residence. How to Obtain a TPO Generally, TPO's are issued through the Superior Court of the County in which the perpetrator or defendant lives. If the perpetrator is not a resident of the State of Georgia, the order may be issued in the County where the abuse occurred. The following must occur before a Judge will consider issuing a TPO: * a recent act of Family Violence * Victim or some one acting on victims behalf must complete petition requesting a TPO * Victim will then speak with the Judge * If the Judge finds that the order should be issued, the proper papers will be filed with the clerks office and the Sheriff's office will receive a copy of the order so that the defendant can be served with the order * Both the perpetrator and the victim will have to appear before a judge within 30 days of the original order to determine whether or not the TPO should be extended for up to six months * If the defendant violates the provisions set forth in the order, he/she can be held in contempt of court and/or possibly be arrested for a criminal violation. Any violation of the order should be reported to law enforcement and the courts. Who can apply for a TPO? Under Georgia Law, an application for a  TPO can be made when an act of family violence has occurred in one of the following relationships: * past or present spouses * persons who are parents of the same children * parents and children * step-parents and step-children * foster parents and foster children * persons living or formerly living in the same household * victims of Stalking

Links: Home Nurturing Yourself Coping with PTSD No Contact Order Incest Survivor Information Sheet Civil Legal Remedies for Sexual Assault Survivors Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Assault My Personal Page RAINN Ga. Safe Site Male Survivor Men Stopping Violence Al-Anon/Alateen Ga. Coalition Against Domestic Violence Ga. Penal Statutes for Sex Crimes Ga. Stalking Laws 16-5-90 Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center