§ 19-13A-1.Definitions
Chapter 13A. Dating Violence Protective Orders · Last amended 2022 · Last verified October 9, 2026
Full Text of § 19-13A-1
Plain-English Summary
Georgia’s family-violence protective orders under Chapter 13 cover past or present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, and people who live or lived in the same household (§ 19-13-1). Chapter 13A, added in 2021, extends protective orders to dating partners, who often don’t fit those categories. This section supplies the two definitions that decide who qualifies.
A “dating relationship” is a committed romantic relationship with a level of intimacy beyond mere friendship and beyond the ordinary contact of business, social or educational settings. Sexual involvement is not required. “Dating violence” is the occurrence of one or more listed acts between two people who are in a dating relationship now, who were in one within the last 12 months, or through whom a current pregnancy has developed. The acts are any felony, or the offenses of simple battery, battery, simple assault or stalking.
That list is narrower than the family-violence list in § 19-13-1, which also includes assault, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass. The 12-month window also matters: a dating relationship that ended more than 12 months ago doesn’t qualify unless a current pregnancy links the two people. When a court decides whether to grant an order, § 19-13A-4 requires findings of fact on the relationship. The section was last amended in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a protective order against a boyfriend or girlfriend in Georgia?
Yes, if the facts fit Chapter 13A. You must show dating violence: a felony, simple battery, battery, simple assault or stalking, committed by someone you are now in a dating relationship with, were in one with within the last 12 months, or share a current pregnancy with. Someone you live with, or a co-parent, may instead qualify under the family-violence law in Chapter 13.
What counts as a dating relationship in Georgia?
A committed romantic relationship with a level of intimacy beyond mere friendship and beyond ordinary business, social or educational contact. Sexual involvement isn’t required. When deciding a petition, the court must make findings of fact on the relationship under § 19-13A-4, looking at things like its length, how often the parties interacted, and whether they acknowledged it to others.
Do we have to have had sex to count as dating in Georgia?
No. The definition of “dating relationship” expressly says it does not require sexual involvement. What matters is a committed romantic relationship with a level of intimacy that goes beyond friendship or ordinary business, social or educational contact. The court weighs the relationship through the findings of fact required by § 19-13A-4.
Can I get a dating violence protective order against an ex from years ago?
Generally not under this chapter. Dating violence covers acts between people who are currently in a dating relationship or were within the last 12 months, or through whom a current pregnancy has developed. A relationship that ended more than 12 months ago falls outside the definition. Section 19-13A-5 notes that other remedies provided by law remain available.
What acts count as dating violence in Georgia?
Any felony, plus the offenses of simple battery, battery, simple assault and stalking. One act is enough. The list is shorter than the family-violence list in § 19-13-1, which also covers assault, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass.
Amendment History
Laws 2021, Act 273, § 2, eff. July 1, 2021; Laws 2022, Act 784, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022.