Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Guidance Every Step of the Way
Whether you're considering a protective order, thinking about reporting to law enforcement, or just trying to understand your options, our legal advocates are here to walk beside you. You don't have to know exactly what you need. We'll figure it out together.
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What Is a Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?
A Temporary Protective Order, or TPO, is a civil court order under Georgia law designed to help keep you safe. Because it's a civil process — separate from criminal charges — you can pursue safety without necessarily involving law enforcement or risking your partner's arrest, if that's not the path you want.
In Georgia, there are three types of TPOs:
- Family Violence Protective Order: for survivors filing against a current or former spouse, co-parent, immediate family (parent and children) , individuals who currently or used to live in the same household
- Dating Violence Protective Order: for survivors filing against someone they had a romantic relationship with.
- Stalking Protective Order: for survivors experiencing stalking behavior
A TPO can include things like requiring the other person to stay away from you, your home, or your workplace, and can address custody, visitation or who has to leave the home, depending on your situation.
Where You File Matters
TPOs are filed in the county where the person you're filing against lives, not necessarily where you live or where a crime took place. For example, if you live in DeKalb County but the person you're filing against lives in Gwinnett County, you'll need to file in Gwinnett County.
If the other party lives outside of the state of Georgia and has committed acts of family violence or stalking in Georgia, you can file the protective order at the county where you reside.
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
If you're a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, our legal advocates can help you file for a TPO and accompany the hearings in DeKalb County. From drafting your petition to standing beside you in court, you'll have support every step of the way.
Criminal Warrants
If you're considering pursuing an arrest, we also help survivors understand the criminal legal process, navigate some steps in the process, and plan for your safety throughout. If you would like to file for a civilian arrest warrant for family violence, our advocates may be able to help.
Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Reporting a Sexual Assault
Reporting is always your choice. If you'd like support reporting a sexual assault to the police, or deciding whether or not to report, call our 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline at (404) 377-1428. An advocate is available any time, day or night.
Free Legal Clinic
In partnership with DeKalb Legal Aid, we offer a free legal clinic one evening per week where survivors can receive guidance from an attorney. Attorneys can advise on civil legal issues — such as divorce, custody or evictions — but not criminal cases.
Co-Parenting Safely: Nia's Place
Still navigating custody or visitation with a partner who was abusive? Nia's Place, our supervised visitation and exchange center, offers a safe, neutral space for court-ordered supervised visitation and monitored custody exchanges, protecting your children while helping you comply with custody orders.