Can I sue my ex for harassment?

Asked by: Dr. Wyman Davis  |  Last update: January 11, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (56 votes)

Survivors can sue for intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED), which occurs when the abuser's conduct is so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional trauma. Examples include threats, stalking, or relentless verbal harassment.

Can I sue my ex for emotional distress?

However, California law recognizes the seriousness of emotional injuries, even if they lack physical symptoms. “You can't prove it.” Despite its intangibility, you can prove emotional distress in court. You can provide evidence through medical records, journal entries, and expert testimonies.

Can I press charges on my ex for harassment?

Yes, if you can prove that they are doing it you could file harassment charges by contacting the police.

At what point can you sue someone for harassment?

Harassment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.

What is considered harassment by a co-parent?

Harassment and insults: Your ex might cause you distress with harassment, which might include insults about your character or the way you choose to parent. Other harassing behavior might include constant texts or calls, screaming and other forms of intimidation, threats, and stalking.

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16 related questions found

Can you sue a co-parent for emotional distress?

Yes, if a family member's actions have caused you emotional distress in a manner that has significantly impacted your life, you may be able to sue them for the emotional distress you are suffering or have suffered.

Is texting a form of harassment?

Inappropriate texts, similar to other forms of sexual advances, can be considered sexual harassment when they meet the criteria of being unwelcome, offensive, or hostile in nature.

How much is a harassment lawsuit worth?

What Exactly Is the Average Settlement Amount for Harassment Lawsuits? On average, harassment lawsuits can settle for around $50,000. Remember, every harassment case is different. Yours could end up with a lot more depending on how severe your case is and how extensive your damages are.

Is it worth suing for slander?

In general, pursuing a defamation lawsuit may be worthwhile if: The defamatory statement(s) are demonstrably false and have caused significant harm to your reputation or career. You have strong evidence to support your claim. The potential damages are substantial enough to justify the costs and risks of litigation.

Can you sue someone for harassment without proof?

You need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that your neighbor committed abusive behavior to entitle you to a legal remedy. If your neighbor is causing problems, you may need to: Get a restraining order if they are threatening you or acting dangerously.

What counts as harassment from an ex?

Examples of harassing behavior from an ex-spouse

Threatening behavior: Any threats to harm you, your loved ones, or your property, whether these threats are verbal, written, or implied by actions.

How do you prove harassment charges?

Testimonies from the accuser and witnesses are often considered the most reliable and impactful evidence. Audio or video recordings and photographs can also be used to provide evidence in a harassment case. Forensic evidence, such as emails and text messages, can be used if available.

Can I legally stop my ex from contacting me?

Getting a Protective Order

Also known as a “50B” or a DVPO, a protective order can serve as another strong line of defense against ex-husbands who refuse to stop harassing you online. After you have obtained a DVPO, your former spouse will be completely banned from contacting you in any way.

How much can you get for an emotional distress lawsuit?

First, there exists a garden variety emotional distress claim where you assert the claim but do not need to find and obtain a medical opinion by a therapist or psychiatrist. Generally, these claims are worth $30,000-$50,000.

Can I sue my ex for defamation?

To successfully sue your ex-spouse for defamation, you must prove the following elements: Your ex made false and defamatory statements about you; The statements were published to a third party, and. The statements caused injury to your reputation.

Can you sue your ex for loss of enjoyment of life?

While you can't file a lawsuit solely for loss of enjoyment in life, it is a significant and recognized component of personal injury claims. If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence and find that your ability to enjoy life has diminished, you can seek compensation for this loss.

What proof do you need for slander?

To prove prima facie defamation, a plaintiff must show four things: 1) a false statement purporting to be fact; 2) publication or communication of that statement to a third person; 3) fault amounting to at least negligence ; and 4) damages , or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the ...

How much does it cost to sue someone for defamation?

However, a “retainer” is not what a defamation case costs. The average cost of a defamation lawsuit at Minc Law typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Some defamation lawsuits are resolved for less, while others may be more costly, depending on the unique facts of each situation.

How difficult is it to win a defamation suit?

Defamation lawsuits are not easy to win because the plaintiff must both prove the difficult elements of his or her case and avoid the many defenses to defamation. This article discusses some of the standard defenses to defamation, including truth and privilege.

What makes a strong harassment case?

To make a strong case, you must provide evidence that clearly supports your claim of harassment. There are different types of evidence that can help prove your case. Each type of evidence plays a unique role in explaining the events, providing proof of what occurred, and supporting your version of the story.

What is not considered harassment?

Single, isolated incidents, such as a passing comment or a minor disagreement, are typically not considered illegal workplace harassment. California law requires a pattern of behavior that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.

Should I press charges for harassment?

If the harasser's actions towards you put you in fear for your life or safety, the police can investigate and potentially press criminal charges. However, even if the harasser's actions aren't necessarily criminal, you can still get a restraining order to keep them away from you.

What to do if you are being harassed by an ex?

Clearly tell your ex to stop harassing you, if you feel safe doing so. It's important to let your ex know that what they are doing is abusive, preferably in a way that lets you keep a record of your request either by saving the text or email you send, or taking a screenshot of a message you send online.

Can the police do anything about harassing texts?

Police are hear to help protect your health, safety, and welfare from these menacing texts. And if you are arrested for sending harassing texts, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Laws against all forms of cyberbullying are being taken increasingly seriously.

What kind of texting is illegal?

SHAFT Content. SHAFT is an acronym that stands for “Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco.”. Most messaging programs related to these types of content are prohibited, but there are exceptions.