Harassment is a disturbing activity that upsets reasonable individuals, makes them anxious, and stresses them emotionally. It can be verbal, financial, or physical.
In the case of child custody or divorce, when a parent harasses or starts abusive communication with the other parent, it is said to be co parent harassment. One person criticizes the other, begins to speak poorly about them, and talks behind their back.
Additionally, harassment makes the child terrified and worried, creating tension in the co-parenting relationship. Such a situation is what is considered harassment by a co parent making the child uncomfortable and they turn to one parent.
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What is Considered Harassment by a Co Parent
Co-parent harassment has different forms such as emotional, physical, and verbal that can be done by phone, online, or in person.
Being harassed during co-parenting can be challenging because you need to cooperate with your former partner. Such harassment is done to control the other parent and to put pressure.
In order to set things back on track, set limits and seek advice from a third party to handle any situation. You can see the problem clearly after speaking with a specialist, therapist, counsellor, or attorney.
It is considered wise to step back from any similar circumstance. Numerous behaviours are considered harassment by a co parent. For Example,
- When one parent sends threatening texts, messages, intrusive phone calls, or unexpected visits at home or work.
- When one parent refuses their child to spend time with the other parent.
- When the parent withholds the information regarding the child’s well-being and current state.
- When one parent makes the other parent threatened or intimidated due to their actions.
Co parent Harassment
There is a list of behavior that is considered harassment by a hostile co parent. But, there is no way to comprehensively detail every co parent harassment that threatens or frightens individuals.
Harassment causes disruption in parent-child relationships, damages them, and causes emotional discomfort. Harassment can be in the form of,
- Stalking one another
- Physical abuse/assault
- Derogatory comments to the child
- Threatening in a harmful way
- Talking behind back
- Spreading lies and rumours
- Verbal abuse
How to Stop Co parent Harassment?
Co-parental harassment comes with a serious issue that influences both, you and your child’s life. It is essential to take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Other than that, establish boundaries, keep records, and contact the concerned authorities for any assistance. Taking such actions make sure that you and your family are safe from any future conflict.
If your partner is indulging in harassment, then there are several factors you can always turn to shield yourself and your child.
Call the Police
You can call the police if the harassment takes the form of stalking and violent threats against you and your children to make sure they are safe.
This is important when you have any protective or restraining order against your partner, but you need to take immediate action if you don’t have one.
Contact your Attorney
You have to make contact with the lawyer and explain the situation because they can guide you thoroughly on how to use your evidence.
You can always utilize the harassing evidence to try to have orders in place that stop additional harassing conduct. They are considered beneficial in case of child custody arrangements.
Don’t Engage in Arguments
You might want to stand up and defend yourself but you can engage yourself into conflict and stumble into a trap. It is important to keep your composure and use common sense even if the disagreements are unavoidable.
On the other hand, some attorneys record conversations to utilize them as evidence and use them as a trick to deny you child custody or label you as a bad parent.
Establish Boundaries
Establishing boundaries does not mean you have to stop communicating in case of co-parent harassment. It reflects how you will interact and what suitable behavior you can tolerate.
You can set boundaries by limiting the conversation to topics involving your child. This helps reduce communication and negates any chance of any mishap in the future.
Restraining Order
Another factor you can opt for in case of co-parent harassment is to request a restraining order. This will make the co-parent avoid you and any communication along with a ban on going to the child’s daycare or school.
Restraining order is a smart strategy and shields you from any form of what is considered harassment by a co-parent. You can consult your local court before applying for a co-parent restraining order.
Make sure to keep a copy of the restraining order with you all the time once it is granted. This aids you to report any form of violation to the concerned authorities.
CONCLUSION
Calling names, using vulgar language, excessive phone calls, harsh words, and threats are What is Considered Harassment by a Co Parent.
This can happen if parents are at odds and disagree regarding the child’s needs and decisions. But, harassment can often turn into a physical assault that can have a negative effect on the child.
To avoid such behavior it is wise to keep professional behavior and keep good composure to avoid conflict in the future.
FAQ’s
How does co-parent harassment impact the child?
Children witnessing harassment by their parents usually suffer from depression and anxiety plus their self-esteem is damaged.
Should you call the police in case of harassment by a co-parent?
If the harassment turns into stalking or physical abuse and the co-parent poses a threat to you or your child, then it is essential to call the police.
The police help protect you and your child from any harm or further abuse and ensure the other parent behaves professionally.
What does it mean by co-parenting?
When parents agree to raise their children together after a divorce is referred to as co-parenting, both parents work to provide a balanced life for their child.
They make sure to be on the same page and set aside their personal disagreements and keep a steady interaction with one another.
