If someone other than a family or household member is hurting you, there are different laws designed to protect you. If anyone has stalked you, you may be eligible for a Stalking Protection Order.
Under GA law, stalking is when someone follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person. Someone can stalk you in person; over the computer; or by telephone, email, mail, or other ways of communication.(12)
Stalking Protection Orders can generally last up to 12 months, but they may be extended or made permanent in certain circumstances.
The process for getting a Stalking Protection Order is very similar to the process of getting a Family Violence Protection Order. To get the forms you'll need to file for a Stalking Protection Order, go to
www.lawhelp.org/documents/clusters/GA/115/English/GLSPFAMVIOL.shtml or contact the clerk of court at your local courthouse.
If you are under 18 years old, you have to find someone who is 18 or older to file for you. Also, you can file for an order against someone who is a minor.
Victims of stalking are entitled to notice of release from custody of the person arrested and notice of bail hearings if they can give a land line pnone number.
The Georgia Legal Services Program publishes a guide to getting a Stalking Protection Order at
www.lawhelp.org/documents/2243012004stalking.pdf?stateabbrev=/GA/