justaguest Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 How do you stop someone from nonsexual harassment? It's very annoying to have someone spreading rumors and telling lies about you. They call you, so you change all your phone numbers. They have their friends and family contact you by coming by your house, sending letters to your home and your work. Nothing is "threatening" just that they are being spiteful and causing problems. I've gone to the police and have been told that they can't do anything. I can't get a restraining order on all the people involved or even the main person because they are of no relation to me. So I guess it's their legal right to cause stress in my family's life and we just sit back and take it. I don't respond to them at all, and I know that this bothers them even worse because they want me to react. However, I feel that my asking them to leave us alone and stay away and then not responding at all has only fuelled their fire. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop things like this?
brashgal Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 Why are they doing this to you? It sounds extreme but my advice would be to move to another town. Maybe if it is more difficult for them to continue the harrassment, it will stop. I definitely would not respond to any of their harrassment in the meantime and continue to report any criminal acts to the police. Also, keep a log of everything that happens - time, place and nature of the abuse so you have a record in the event they do overstep their bounds. You may still be able to get your restraining order that way.
LucreziaBorgia Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 If the police won't help, all you can do is fully document each and every contact - and then contact a lawyer about your options. What are the general circumstances? It sounds extreme and emotional, like a 'hell hath no fury' situation. It sounds like what happens once an affair is suspected or is actually outed. Hopefully whatever it is, you'll be able to find a way to be afforded some privacy and protection, if necessary.
morrigan Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 Here are links to sites that can tell you what to do: http://www.stalkingbehavior.com/ http://www.antistalking.com/ Notify the individual one time only that you don't want any contact from them by any form. If you see them in public, ignore them totally. Do not allow these other people into your home or near you. Notify family/friends they are not to give you communication from the person, or discuss you with the person. Find out from a lawyer or your county's District Attorney what the harassment or stalking laws are in your state. Save every letter/phone message/email the person attempts to send to you. If the person continues to harass you, I'd take all the communications from him/her and go again to the police. If anyone makes any threats of bodily harm, call the police immediately. Good luck.
billybadass36 Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 Definitely contact a lawyer or the prosecutor's office. In Michigan it's fairly simple to get a Personal Protective Order against a person if there's potential "stalking" going on. The definition of stalking is fairly broad here, too, so it doesn't have to be "romantic" or "sexual" in nature. The police aren't lawyers, prosecutors are. You may have better luck filing a criminal complaint or making a phone call to the local prosecutor's office.
laRubiaBonita Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 well i know in my sate they have "Peace Orders", which are like a step down from a restraining order. you need to go to your local court house and ask.
Lil Honey Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 I think that you have some excellent advice here. I would also point out that "coming to your house" is trespassing. When they send you letters at home or at work, don't accept them - "Return to Sender". By accepting the letters, they feel that it is one way to continue to contact you. You might think that not responding has fueled their fire, but it may make them see (eventually) that they are getting no where and they will just get tired and stop.
LucreziaBorgia Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 It also depends a lot on the nature of the interaction as well - people in a blind emotional rage are far more dangerous and hard to control than people who are just being a pain in the ass over some mild dislike or understanding. Whatever you do or whatever the situation, contact a lawyer and ask for help.
debs Posted March 2, 2005 Posted March 2, 2005 Just a guest? I do wonder what has prompted this harrassment by the other party? Was this a co-worker? Or just a person who took a definate liking to you and is harrassing you due to being turned away? In these cases it is best to get legal advice! It sounds from your vague post that this person has made your SO uncomfortable?
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