My Restraining Order Was Dismissed in Georgia—Not for Lack of Evidence, But Because of a Technicality

I filed for a restraining order in Georgia after months of targeted stalking, harassment, and online defamation. I didn’t take it lightly. I hired an attorney and attended the virtual court hearing from their office. The respondent was officially served, and all proper steps were followed.

But the case was dismissed.

Not because it lacked merit.
Not because I didn’t follow procedure.
Not because the threats weren’t real or ongoing.
But because of a technical issue that affects countless victims: jurisdiction.

Understanding Jurisdiction in Georgia

Georgia law offers powerful civil protections—Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs), free legal aid, and survivor support services. But if the person you’re seeking protection from lives in another state, Georgia courts may not have the authority to enforce anything—even if the harassment is happening online, and you’re living through it in Georgia.

This is called a jurisdictional dismissal. The judge acknowledged I had shown up, submitted evidence, followed the process, but still couldn’t move forward because the respondent resided in another state. That’s the law. It doesn’t mean you’re not a victim. It doesn’t mean your story isn’t valid. It means you have to file in the respondent’s state.

Georgia Still Offers Victim Protections

Despite the jurisdictional challenge, Georgia has resources in place to help:

• Crime Victims Compensation Program – Helps with relocation, medical bills, and counseling.
• Georgia Legal Aid – Protection order help and legal referrals.
• Partnership Against Domestic Violence – Safety planning and legal advocacy in metro Atlanta.
• Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Crisis line and shelter access statewide.

You can read our full breakdown of relevant stalking, harassment, bullying, and defamation laws at the Georgia Resource Page.

What Happened After

Following the court’s dismissal, the respondent posted a YouTube video claiming they “won in court,” attempting to frame the dismissal as a vindication. They also uploaded a short full of misleading claims. This kind of misinformation is dangerous—and it’s why I built this site.

The truth is, many restraining order requests get denied not because the threats aren’t real, but because they were filed in the wrong state. If someone harasses you online from across state lines, your local court may not be able to protect you. That’s a failure of the system—not of the victim.

Why I Created That Surprise Witness

Too many victims are turned away, not because they’re wrong, but because the law hasn’t caught up with the reality of online abuse. That’s why I created That Surprise Witness—because facts ain’t defamation.

Our Georgia guide includes:

• Legal definitions of stalking, harassment, and defamation under Georgia law
• Direct links to legal aid programs and hotlines
• Step-by-step instructions for filing a TPO
• Jurisdictional warnings and how to find help if your harasser lives out of state

Explore the full guide here: Georgia State Resource Guide

Nationwide Protection Resources

If you’re not in Georgia—or if your harasser is in a different state—check out our 50-State Protection Order Directory. It breaks down how to get help in all 50 states, including how to deal with digital abuse, impersonation, and cross-jurisdiction harassment.

Time to Push for Change

The current legal system wasn’t built for digital abuse across state lines. Laws around stalking, harassment, and defamation often lag behind how abuse plays out online—especially when it crosses jurisdictions or hides behind fake accounts.

Far too many victims are left unprotected not because they don’t have a case, but because the law hasn’t caught up with the internet. That needs to change.

If you believe in modernizing these protections, here’s how you can help:

• Contact your state lawmakers and demand clearer digital harassment protections and nationwide enforcement reciprocity.
• Share your story (if it’s safe) to raise awareness about how jurisdictional loopholes harm victims.
• Support or volunteer with organizations advocating for cybercrime and victim rights reform.

That Surprise Witness is here to protect victims, educate the public, and hold false narratives accountable.