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View Full Version : Can I sue for harassment


judytice85
Aug 26, 2014, 06:04 PM
- Hello all, I was wondering if I could get some legal advice. I have been harassed by someone for about 4 years now. This person is the mother of my husbands child. They have a child who is now 7 years old, my husband is very much involved in his life and pays support. When my husband and I met, they had been broken up for about a year. As soon as my husband and I got together, she began to harass me. She did everything she could to break us up. Phone calls, text messages, Facebook messages, you name it she did it. Some of it was directed to my husband, but I am her main target. When I found out I was pregnant, she went crazy and did so many things it would take me days to list it all. One of the incidents were that she showed up at our doorstep at about 2am, when I was 7 months pregnant. She pounded on the door and when my husband opened it she went straight for me, got in my face screaming and threatening me and my unborn child. I left and had to go to the emergency room for a panic attack she caused me. She would also call me at work repeatedly to upset me she had me crying my eyes out because she just wouldn't stop. Ive had to call the cops on her twice, and they told me they would take my information, called her and told her not to contact me anymore. However, that did not work. I have taken every action I can to keep her out of my life (blocked her from various social media sites, changed my phone number multiple times ect) but last night she showed up on my doorstep, pounding on my door at about 1am. She was demanding I let her in, and threatening me and my son. My son is now 3 years old and he was screaming and really scared. I thought she was going to break our door down so I called the police. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived she had already left. I spoke with them and filed a report. I gave them her number and they called her and told her not to contact me anymore. It's the same thing over and over again. She does not care nor does it scare her. In fact, my sister sent me screen shots of her slandering my name on Facebook right after the police made contact with her. It is as if it is her goal in life to destroy mine. I want to know if there is any legal action I can take. Can I sue her for harassment, deformation of character, pain and suffering? I am so tired of this, and I would just like to see if there is anything I can legally do about it. I have never done anything to provoke her, and I try my best to ignore her but it is getting to a point where that is not an option anymore. Thanks in advance, Judy

Fr_Chuck
Aug 26, 2014, 07:02 PM
Part of the issue will be proof, beyond what you say. Have you video of this happening, other witnesses ( besides family)

Has your husband got involved and used all of this evidence to show issues with mother and perhaps asking for change in custody?

Why have you not did more police reports and looked for a protective order ?

ScottGem
Aug 27, 2014, 04:54 AM
I would consult an attorney. You may be able to sue her, but does she have money to collect anything? The better alternative is to file for an order of protection. Such an order will require that she stay away from you physically and not contact you. I'm surprised this has not been suggested to you before.

You will need proof. You may have to install cameras around your house and keep a small video camera (many smartphones can take video) handy. If she shows up again, take a video, include the location in the video and a newspaper and clock to show the date and time (many video cameras can have a GPS and date stamp). If you get a restraining order (and with multiple police reports you shouldn't have a problem) if she violates the order you can have her arrested and jailed.

AK lawyer
Aug 27, 2014, 07:27 AM
Apply to the court for a protective order.