Family violence pertains to the physical, sexual, psychological, and other forms of harm inflicted on someone who is a relative, spouse, or significant other of the abuser. In family violence cases, the abuser and victim typically have to live together or share children with each other. Domestic violence can take a significant toll on victims, many of whom are not in a position to easily leave the abusive situation.
Family violence can also affect the rights of perpetrators. Here are some examples of how this might happen in Georgia.
It can hurt your Second Amendment rights
Under state and federal law, people charged with and found guilty of felony domestic violence are no longer able to buy a firearm. Note that in Georgia, this only applies to a felony conviction, and not a misdemeanor or protective order. Gun laws in Georgia are fairly lenient compared to many other states, but there can still be consequences for committing certain crimes.
It can make leaving the state a felony
In a 1996 amendment to the Violence Against Women Act, it became a felony under federal law to leave one state to harass or stalk an intimate partner in another state. Having a history of violence in the family may make it easier to find someone guilty of this felony.
Having restrictions placed on violators of family violence laws can serve as both a deterrent to would-be criminals and a way to help victims feel safer. Because of this, knowing what rights people may lose benefits all parties involved in a domestic violence situation.