Using the law to stop violence—and save taxpayers money

"When Sandra – not her real name, a single mother of two young kids, decided to let her children stay with their grandmother for a couple of weeks over the summer to save on childcare costs, she didn’t realize the consequences that would bring.

Her abusive ex-husband and the father of the children responded to this news with violent threats that made Sandra fear for her family’s safety – threats to kidnap their children and even to kill Sandra. A Georgia Legal Services attorney helped Sandra get a temporary protective order against him, and the incessant calls and threats stopped completely. Sandra can once again live in peace, focusing on taking care of herself and her kids.

As an attorney at Georgia Legal Services, I’ve heard many people question the benefits of a temporary protective order. A temporary protective order is more than just a piece of paper. Studies show that temporary protective orders have a one in two chance of ending the abuse altogether for the victim. For those who continue to experience violence by their abuser following the protective order, over time, the violence stops or is significantly reduced, according to a Department of Justice study..."

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