Getting a divorce can cause uncomfortable interactions between you and your spouse. That behavior sometimes escalates to the point of harassment from your spouse. Fortunately, you can file for an order of protection against your spouse if they are continually harassing you. How do you know when your spouse’s behavior qualifies as harassment? You should explain your spouse’s behavior in detail to your divorce attorney, who can advise you on whether a court order could stop that behavior and what you need to do in order to receive that order.
Harassment in Divorce
Illinois defines harassment as conduct that knowingly and unnecessarily causes a reasonable person to feel distressed. Harassment in a divorce is usually verbal abuse made in person or via electronic communication. Common examples include:
- Making offensive or obscene comments to you
- Repeatedly contacting you by telephone or email for the purpose of disturbing you
- Making derogatory comments about you in a public forum such as social media
Harassment is a misdemeanor offense in Illinois, but the offender’s actions can rise to the level of a felony. For instance, your spouse could be charged with stalking if they are following you in person or electronically in order to harass you. Making a threat against you that causes you to reasonably fear for your safety could be assault.