Can emotional child abuse hold up in court?
114688
It can and does hold up in a civil court but I'm not sure about criminal court. Call your local DA's office and ask them to find out. Good luck.
431991
the child is hurt physically but the parents hurts emotionally.. \n\nboth of the is hurt.. most of the time when child was hurt.. they keep it in their heart.. i recommend after spanking the child (but please avoid it) tell him/her why.. so that she/he will know what she/he did wrong.. and he will learn from it.. and will not do the same..
1032827
I'm so sorry this happened to you. Of course, you did nothing wrong to deserve such treatment. Sometimes parents actually select one child for abuse, but don't abuse others in the same household. It's called scapegoating. Forgiving is more about releasing your feelings of hatred than about bestowing some mantel of "forgiveness" on them. Holding onto hatred can hurt you. When you're ready, I think you would benefit from forgiving them. Of course, you will never forget. Respect is something they should have taught you by showing it to you. It normally is part of love. Rather than respect them, I think now you would be lucky to tolerate them. You may even need to limit your time with them for your mental health. Also for your own mental health, I would recommend finding a good psychologist to discuss the abuse you experienced growing up. Years of such of abuse is not healed quickly. Please be patient with the process. If you're not satisfied with your first psychologist, get another one. When you have children of your own, please consider taking parenting classes or child development courses from the community center or community college. Unfortunately, children of abusers sometimes become abusers themselves. Learning proper techniques of caring for a child will help ensure a happy and healthy relationship with your own children and an end to the cycle of abuse. Good luck to you.\n\nI haven't read this book, but Amazon gives it 4 of 5 stars:\nBad Childhood---Good Life : How to Blossom and Thrive in Spite of an Unhappy Childhood by Laura Schlessinger
1092547
I have been there. My ex-wife accused me of abuse..the part she didn't tell was she had a boy friend and she wanted lot's of $$$$.\nThank God she didn't win..it was thrown out of court..I wish I had it on video tape. She became confused in her story. I could have got some very serious time in jail. I could have sued the hell out of her..but I let it go
895555
Yes.  It depends on the charge and your location.  Go to a search engine and type in the name of your state, then 'state judiciary home page' and hit 'search'.  It should pull up the home page with the laws for your state.  You can look at the laws regarding abuse, sentencing, etc.  If someone is being abused, you need to talk to them and help them find the strength to leave themselves.  Otherwise they'll just go back because that's what they know, that's what's safe.  I've been there.  Be there for them.  Talk to them.  There are also restraining orders, which can be taken out at your local court house.  They're very cheap and affordable.  The police are also more than happy to put a trespassing warrant on your property for you, so if somebody walks onto your lawn, you can simply phone and have them removed without dirtying your hands.  Good luck.
227892
A well placed and well timed smack can do wonders. But it must not be excessive. After all a child needs to be reminded that we as parents are there to teach them proper ways to behave. Parents have the responsibility to raise a child (to the best of their ability) to be good citizens. Of course there are always exceptions.
282949
It is may understanding that a child that desires to become emancipated from their parents must be able to prove in court that they are capable of supporting themselves. This would include a regular income. It is not enough to say to a Judge, my friend said I can stay with them.
516309
so he is hiring an attorney to modify the court order for custody of the children? if so your best bet would be to keep a cool and professional demeanor, no slip ups, no verbal outbursts, you MUST remain the calmer of the 2 parties, even if he threatens you ( this you should keep a record of an NOT get emotional ), this is where many people damage there cases by getting emotional in court.
765241
You CAN spank a child with an open hand across the butt--WITHOUT leaving a mark...I have done this, it is OK. I have 3 kids!! As long as you don't leave marks on your kids, punch, slap, or use ANYTHING other than your hand to disipline, you won't get in trouble.\nYes, children can cry "child abuse". But if they want to live in foster care, so be it. They don't think about that before they pick up the phone. Some kids don't realize how much nicer their home life is compaired to foster care. \nI also believe things should be taken away: phones, TV's, stereo's, things like that. Rules should be followed. Respect should be given. And children shouldn't be acting the way they do just because they didn't get their own way, and I see that a lot!!\nHowever, I have seen a lot of actual child abuse cases and nothing was done. It seems like the cases that should be dealt with aren't, and the ones that shouldn't, are...it's crazy. \nI don't think teenagers should be spanked either. They are too old for that. Grounded, yes. Things taken away, yes. But not spanked. You can get arrested for assaulting a child in public, or if there's physical evidence and witnesses that can say that a child was abused anywhere else, you can be arrested, yes. \nSome parents just don't care and let their kids do what ever they want. I didn't. I had rules and things to follow.If you have parents who care about you, you'll have them. And be glad that you do.
1150017
If you are in a situation where you are dealing with protective services you may need to make changes in your behavior as a parent.  I recommend reading any literature on early childhood development and seek counseling from a professional psychologist.  That being said you need to be careful as they may take your child away.  You should seek legal council if you are facing charges, as soon as possible.
717945
Against the people who abused said child, yes.  But I wouldn't get my hopes up about going up against any state run agencies.
803632
As a minor, you should have an advocate assigned to you. Petition the judge with a politely written letter.\n\nThe situation is not easy, and in many states Child services is a chronic scandal occasionally rising to the level of criminality.
705963
I am sorry to hear about your child, however i would suggest that your lawyer should be finding the expert witnesses in any case such as this, and if he is unable to do so then i think it best that you find a lawyer who can - this is what you are paying your lawyer for ( or what they are taking there possible fee for) and if they are unable to do this then i would be very suspect about there ability to try the case to a successful outcome. \n\nGood luck
812379
yes, they can. if they are in a different state the court may make you go to them. second ,,, evidence will be harder now for a person to prove. this is going to be a tough case and can go either way. if they seeked councel it may help their side (previously in the 12 yrs) also how old they are now may take a factor. if you are the victim don't worry the truth always comes out... there may be others just waiting for someone to stand up aswell. if you are the suspect... evidence lacking after 12 years is on your side
590384
First, try legal aide.  (NOT the public defender who HAS to take cases).  Legal aide chooses their cases and are dedicated lawyers who care (cuz there isn't money in their jobs....it's non-profit).  \n\nFind all documentation you can get, all witnesses who can vouch for you, any medical records, etc etc...to back you up.  Make your case strong.\n\nThere are many false allegations of child abuse out there...been victim to it myself...there are ways to clear yourself.  Trust in the Lord, get your documentation, find your witnesses, and put it in His hands.
1008975
You need an attorney. You need someone who will look out for the needs of this child on a legal level. Ask for a legal child advocate, or what ever they call it where you are. There should be no way that an abusive parent, especially with no legal channels pursued for the crime, to force the child back with the abuser. Make phone calls, good luck to you. If you want to discuss the full details, contact me.
1071276
Hello \n\nYou are in a very tricky position here. The first obstacle concerns the actual rape by someone little older than yourself at the time.  In those days he would have been regarded as a juvenile for court purposes had you contended the case then. Today some 19 years on you obviously still have some grief to share, hence placing your issue here. I will say this I am not sure whether the internet is the place for you to share your grief. The quality of the answers very much a case of posing a question or issue for some kind of rough justice. From which you may draw the wrong kind of support.\n\nThe thing is you need some balance in your life which comes through family friends and loving relationships. However having this grief and anger about your personage will affect any personal one to one relationships you might desire to have,. this is not to mention your work situation and  that of your mums contact with the mother of your abuser.\n\nI think the right source of action for you would be to seek the help of a counsellor.  I know this sounds drastic but just airing your thoughts and anger with someone who is trained to listen and not biased should help tremendously. There should be a self help directory available in your local library or maybe your GP surgery has some counselling services. \n\nYour employment in this situation has been your tormentor and reminder,  maybe after having some couselling you should sit and talk things over with your mum. Gain her support especially if you should decide to eventually have this all out in the open. This is not always a good idea.\n\nI presume that you have had this job for less than two years and would not qualify for any redundancy rights, you are in a position therefore to resign if you want to in accordance to the way - in which you are paid. Ie, weekly paid a weeks notice, fortnightly paid a fortnight and so on.\n\nMeanwhile try not to get emotionally involved in any arguments or debate with the mother of your abuser as after 24 years this could be as big a shock to her as the loss of the friendship has also been put assunder. \n\nGood luck with any counselling you seek.