Legislation supporting victims of dating violence is heading to the governor’s desk. Wednesday The Georgia House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of House Bill 231. The measure, sponsored by District 117 Representative Houston Gaines, would create a new type of temporary protective order for victims who experience abuse by a dating partner.
"I'm really proud that we were able to get this legislation passed to protect victims of dating violence here in Georgia, to offer civil protections with temporary protective orders to these victims. We've made a lot of progress in our fight against domestic violence here in Georgia." The new Temporary Protective Order is for victims not currently covered under a similar TPO for victims of family violence. It protects victims from felonies, battery, assault and stalking.
The bill states a hearing would be held within 10 days of a petition being filed. Georgia is one of only three states that does not offer protection for victims of dating violence.