§ 19-13-30.State Commission on Family Violence
Chapter 13. Family Violence · Article 3. State Commission on Family Violence · Last amended 1992 · Last verified October 9, 2026
Full Text of § 19-13-30
Plain-English Summary
This section states why Georgia created the State Commission on Family Violence. The General Assembly found that violence in Georgia homes among family members causes many serious injuries and deaths, and extensive physical and emotional damage to children and adults. It found that family violence knows no economic or social barriers. And it counted the costs: misery and trauma for individuals and families, and more government spending on police, prosecutions, incarceration, court personnel, foster care, public assistance and juvenile corrections.
The legislature then took stock of its own laws. It noted that Georgia had already enacted comprehensive family violence legislation, including temporary protective orders. But enforcement had proven inconsistent, and an effective response would take a community-wide effort and coordination among courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, the correctional system, and public assistance and other service providers. The Georgia Commission on Gender Bias in the Judicial System had strongly recommended a state commission and local task forces.
This section grants no relief and creates no rights; it explains the purpose behind the sections that follow. Section 19-13-31 creates the commission, and § 19-13-34 lists its duties. The section has not been amended since its 1992 enactment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Georgia create the State Commission on Family Violence?
The General Assembly found that enforcement of Georgia’s family violence laws was inconsistent and that an effective response required a community-wide effort and coordination among courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, corrections and service providers. The Georgia Commission on Gender Bias in the Judicial System had recommended a state commission and local task forces.
What does the Georgia legislature say family violence costs?
It listed misery and trauma for individuals and families, and increased government spending for police services, criminal prosecutions, incarcerations, court personnel, foster care, public assistance and juvenile corrections. It also found that family violence accounts for many serious injuries and deaths and extensive damage to children and adults.
Does family violence only happen in certain kinds of families?
The Georgia General Assembly found that it doesn’t. In this section, the legislature declared that family violence knows no economic or social barriers, and that violence among family members in Georgia homes accounts for many serious injuries, deaths and extensive physical and emotional damage.
Who recommended creating Georgia’s family violence commission and task forces?
The Georgia Commission on Gender Bias in the Judicial System. This section says that body highly recommended creating a state commission and local task forces to combat family violence. Section 19-13-31 then created the State Commission on Family Violence and called for a Community Task Force on Family Violence in each judicial circuit.
Does this section give family violence victims any rights?
Amendment History
Laws 1992, p. 1810, § 1.