Harassment is an act of harassment that causes distress, anxiety, and emotional distress to a reasonable person. It can to be the verbal, financial or physical.
In the case of divorce or child custody, when parent misbehaves or starts abusive communication with the other parent, this process is called co parent harassment. One person criticizes the other person, starts to speak poorly about them, and talks behind their back.
Further abuse causes the child to become psychologically and mentally fearful and disturbed, which creates strain in the co-parenting relationship, such a situation is considered co-parental harassment, which causes mental distress to the child and They approaches to one parent.
What is considered harassment by a co-parent?
There are different types of co-parenting harassment, including gratuitous emotional outbursts that can result in physical or verbal abuse over the phone, online, or in person.
Being harassed while co-parenting is very difficult because you need to cooperate with your ex-partner. Such harassment is done to control or pressure the other parent.
Set boundaries to settle things and issues and seek advice from a third party to deal with any situation. After talking and taking advice from a professional counselor or lawyer, you can see the problem clearly.
It is considered wise to withdraw from any such situation. A number of such behaviors are considered harassment by co-parents. For Example,
- When parents make threats, text messages, intrusive phone calls, or frequent unexpected visits to home or work.
- When one parent unreasonably forbids their child from spending time with the other parent.
- When a parent has information about the child’s well-being or current condition from the other parent.
- When one parent unreasonably intimidates or threatens the other parent because of their past actions.
Harassment of co-parents
There is a detailed list of behaviors that could be considered harassment by co-parents, but there is no clear way to comprehensively detail each co-parent’s behavior that threatens or intimidates individuals.
Harassment disrupts the relationship between parents and children, damages their relationship, and causes emotional and psychological distress. There are different types of harassment. such as,
- Pursuing each other
- Physical abuse or assault
- Derogatory words for a child
- Threatening in harm full way
- Talking behind one’s back
- Spreading lies and fabrications
- verbal abuse
How to Stop Co-Parent Harassment?
Co-parenting harassment is a serious problem that greatly affects the lives of both, you and your children life. It is very important to take necessary steps to protect yourself.
Also, set boundaries, keep complete records and stay in touch with the authorities concerned for any assistance. By taking such steps, make sure that you and your family are safe from any future disputes.
If your partner is involved in harassment, there are several things you can do to keep yourself and your child safe.
Call the police
You can call the police if the harassment escalates into stalking and violent threats against you and your child, given any potential threats. Make absolutely sure that you and your baby are completely safe.
This is also important when you have a protective or restraining order against your partner, But if you don’t have any such then you need to take immediate legal action.
Contact your Lawyer
You need to contact your lawyer and explain the complete situation as your lawyer can give you complete legal guidance on how to use your evidence with solid arguments.
You can always use evidence of harassment with full arguments to try to get court orders that prevent additional harassing behavior and can be use them with full arguments in child custody arrangements.
Do not engage in arguments
It is possible that by keeping yourself busy with unnecessary arguments, you may get yourself into another conflict and get stuck in another trap. Although disagreements are inevitable, it is important to keep yourself in check and show common sense.
On the other hand, some opposing attorneys practice recording conversations in order to use them as evidence and use them in a ploy to deny you custody or prove you are a bad parent.
Maintain Balanced Boundaries
Setting boundaries does not necessarily mean that you have to cut off communication if the co-parent is being harassed, but rather reflects how you communicate and the importance of maintaining an appropriate attitude.
You can set boundaries by limiting the conversation to topics related to your child. This helps in reducing the interaction and negates any possibility of future accidents.
Keep your children away from it
No matter what, keep your children away from such matters. Never try to talk to your ex through your children or humiliate your ex in front of your children. The end of your relationship is likely to be quite hard on them and they need protection and total security at this time. If you are feeling scared, worried or angry, it is best to talk to an appropriate person rather than your children.
Protection orders
One of the main steps you can take in a co-parent’s custody case is to request a court restraining order. This allows the co-parent to avoid any interaction or ban with you and the child’s daycare or school.
A restraining order is a great strategy to protect you from any possible harassment by the co-parent. You can contact your local court before applying for a co-parenting restraining order.
Make absolutely sure to keep a copy of the restraining order with you at all times once it is passed by the court. You can use this court order to report any potential violation to the relevant authorities.
Conclusion
Calling bad names, Using foul language Making excessive phone calls Using harsh words and threats can be perceived as harassment by co-parents.
Such incidents can occur when parents disagree with each other and do not fully agree with the child’s needs and decisions. But often times, harassment can turn into physical aggression that can have a negative impact on the child.
Always maintain a professional demeanor and use good common sense to avoid such behavior in the future.
FAQ’s
How does co-parental harassment affect the child?
In general, children who witness abuse by their parents often suffer from depression and psychological problems, and their self-esteem suffers tremendously.
Should you call the police if you are being harassed by a co-parent?
If the harassment turns into stalking or any form of physical abuse and the co-parent is considered a danger to you or your child, it is extremely important to call the police.
The police help protect you and your child from any potential harm or further abuse and make sure that the other parent behaves professionally.
What does this mean for co-parenting?
Most of the times when parents agree to raise their children together after divorce, it is called co-parenting and it is the mutual responsibility of both parents to provide a balanced life for their child.
This process ensures constant interaction with each other while staying on the same page and keeping personal differences aside.
