Georgia § 19-13-1 - "Family violence" defined.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-13-1 — "Family violence" defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19-13-1. "Family violence" defined.

As used in this article, the term "family violence" means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household: Any felony; or Commission of offenses of battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, or criminal trespass. The term "family violence" shall not be deemed to include reasonable discipline administered by a parent to a child in the form of corporal punishment, restraint, or detention. (Ga. L. 1981, p. 880, § 1; Ga. L. 1988, p. 1251, § 2; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1266, § 3; Ga. L. 1993, p. 1534, § 3.) Law reviews. - For article citing developments in Georgia juvenile court practice and procedure from mid-1980 through mid-1981, see 33 Mercer L. Rev. 167 (1981). For article, "Gender and Justice in the Courts: A Report to the Supreme Court of Georgia by the Commission on Gender Bias in the Judicial System," see 8 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 539 (1992). For survey article on domestic relations cases for the period from June 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003, see 55 Mercer L. Rev. 223 (2003). For annual survey of domestic relations law, see 58 Mercer L. Rev. 133 (2006). For article, "Polygyny and Violence Against Women," see 64 Emory L.J. 1767 (2015). For note on 1993 amendment of this Code section, see 10 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 95 (1993). For review of 1996 family violence legislation, see 13 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 101 (1996). For comment, "The Abuse of Animals as a Method of Domestic Violence: The Need for Criminalization," see 63 Emory L.J. 1163 (2014).

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 19-13-1

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-13-1 cover?

Section 19-13-1 (""Family violence" defined.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Georgia § 19-13-1?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-13-1" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Georgia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

How does Georgia § 19-13-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.