I have lived in my house for 14 years, quietly with my husband, no kids.
About 5 years ago a new neighbor moved in. We tried to be nice at first, but then heard them talking about us, so we kept our distance. Now the teenage girl is accusing me of watching her through my windows, and of being gay. She is very loud about this and has told other neighbors and kids up and down the neighborhood. Talking to the parents doesn't do any good - apparently they believe everything their little darling says. I consider this slander and defamation of character, but not sure what I can do about it. I believe they have consulted an attorney and want to bring me up on charges,even though I haven't done a damn thing.
AAGHH , they are driving me nuts. Any suggestions?
Spikerbiker

CaptainForest

You have only 1 legal recourse if she continues this and they won’t stop.

Sue them, bother the daughter and her parents.

(or of course you can start spreading nasty rumours about the daughter, but don’t go down that road).

ScottGem

You have a problem here. Have you ever been noticed looking out your windows when the daughter was around? If anyone can testify to that (besides any member of that family) you could have trouble. The charge that you are gay, though is another matter.

I'm curious as to what your other neighbors think of this attack on you. Have you spoken with them? If there have been other teenage girls who have grown up on the block and there has been no other history, no prosecutor is going to take on the case.

I would take the tact, that you have no idea why this family has taken a dislike to you and that their charges are so laughable that they don't need response. if the other neighbors don't beleive them, then they are the ones who are losing. But I would also consult an attorney, if they do get someone to listen to their charges, then you will need to counter sue them. The problem with a slander suit is that you need to show how the statements have damaged you.

spikerbiker

Thank you two for your responses.Part of the problem is that our houses are very close - a driveway apart. This situation is making me feel so paranoid that I now find myself keeping all the blinds on that side of the house closed, 99 percent of the time. What are windows for if you can't look out of them once in awhile and let the sunshine in. This is affecting my quality of life. I have only spoken to one other neighbor across the street and she is on my side. She says that "they need to get a life". I think that I will consult an attorney to get all legal aspects down.

ScottGem

Is there room for a fence? One of the advantages of blinds is that you can angle them to allow the sun in but block any view.

I would enlist the aid of that neighbor, to find out who else this family has been talking to and what other neighbors think. You really need to get a handle on the scope of this.

You might consider filing an harassment complaint with the local law enforcement. Just to get it on record before they do.

spikerbiker

Thanks for your insightful responses Scott - I am wondering what type of attorney I would look for?

ScottGem

Most general attorneys would be able to handle this. Otherwise look for one familiar with slander or libel cases.

spikerbiker

Thanks again, it is good to hear other people's response.
My husband is sick and tired of hearing me talk about it.In fact, it has started to cause marital problems, stress and lack of sleep.
I am glad that I found this website!

LUNAGODDESS

There is a problem here...the young lady has accused you of being homosexual and watching her through your windows...the problem homosexuals are not interested in women...so the window watching incident makes not sense...Question are you gay? If, not that statement is slanderous /challenges your character...if other neighbors believe this reck attack on your person...then filed a suit and order a subpoena or a few to being your neighbors to court that believe this lie ...make the amount worth their (the neighbors)attention...the child is looking for attention and will get it any means necessary...even when it means hurting others. Do tell the family to clean up their house by filing a suit..this needs to stop...for when a situation comes about that needs the neighbors attention...the event will be overlooked...

ScottGem

The problem with filing a slander suit is you have to show you have been materially harmed. Just having someone spread lies about you does not qualify. You can't just name a sum and sue. It has to be shown that you lost or might have lost that sum.