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Legal Information: Georgia

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
October 31, 2023

Who is protected under this law?

You may be protected under this law if you are a victim of “unlawful violence” or a “credible threat of violence” at your workplace.1 It is important to know, however, that you cannot file for this order on your own as you can with a family violence protective orderonly your employer can file on your behalf. For the purposes of this law, “unlawful violence” is defined as:

A “credible threat of violence” means words or actions that make you believe you are facing the threat of death or serious bodily injury.3 According to the law, this can happen through words or actions like the following:

  • following you to or from your workplace;
  • entering your workplace;
  • following you during work hours; and/or
  • telephone calls, emails, or other correspondence with you.4

1 Ga. Code § 34-1-7(b)
2 Ga. Code § 34-1-7(a)(4)
3 Ga. Code § 34-1-7(a)(2)
4 Ga. Code § 34-1-7(a)(1)

How does this law protect me?

If you have suffered violence or a threat of violence at work, your employer can file for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or a long-term injunction on your behalf against either:

  1. the individual who carried out the violence or credible threat against you; or
  2. the organization that this individual is a part of.1

If issued, the TRO and the injunction will prohibit any future violence or threats, both at your workplace and while you are doing your job somewhere outside of your workplace.2

1 Ga. Code § 34-1-7(b)
2 Ga. Code § 34-1-7(e)

Does it matter whether I work for a large or small employer?

It doesn’t matter whether you work for a large or small employer – you will still be protected. This law covers any person or entity that employs one or more employees, including the state and local governments.1

1 Ga. Code § 34-1-7(a)(3)