Seeking Guidance: My Mother-in-Law is Making Threats
Hello everyone,
I find myself in a very challenging situation and could really use some advice. For over 15 years, my partner and I have been living in Australia, but recently, my mother-in-law, who resides overseas, has become increasingly displeased with our relationship.
During several phone calls, she has made it clear that she intends to come to Australia, attempt to break up my partner and me, and even cause me harm if her daughter refuses to end things. Although these threats have been communicated over the phone, they are relentless and have left me feeling extremely unsafe. To make matters worse, she knows my address, phone number, and workplace, which adds to my anxiety.
I’ve been struggling to sleep for weeks, overwhelmed by stress and fear that she might act on her threats. I’m unsure about the legal options available to ensure my safety, especially since she is currently abroad.
Has anyone experienced something similar? What steps can I take to protect myself and prevent her from coming here? I’d greatly appreciate any insights on dealing with authorities or exploring legal protections.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Update:
I initially sought advice about preventing my mother-in-law from coming to Australia and harassing us. I didn’t anticipate so many people would be interested in the backstory, so let me explain why, after all these years, her mother suddenly wants us to split up.
My mother-in-law has always been controlling, dictating various aspects of her daughter’s life, such as what to wear for work. For over a decade, my partner has been trying to break free from this control. Since the beginning of this year, her mother has attempted to manipulate her through me. Initially unaware of her tactics, I complied with some of her requests. However, when she realized that she couldn’t control her daughter through me, she began to verbally attack me. This led to an even greater strain on my partner’s relationship with her mother, resulting in my partner blocking her. Now, her mother blames me for everything, and in her desperation, she has turned to threatening me as well.
I’m really sorry to hear about the situation you’re facing; it sounds incredibly stressful and frightening. Here are some steps you can consider taking to protect yourself and navigate this situation:
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with your mother-in-law, including dates, times, and the content of the conversations. This documentation could be useful if you need to involve authorities.
Reach Out to Legal Authorities: Since your mother-in-law is making threats, it might be wise to consult with a legal professional experienced in family law or harassment cases. They can advise you on protective orders or other legal measures that can help safeguard you.
Contact Local Authorities: You may want to consider making your local law enforcement aware of the situation. They can provide advice on how to stay safe and may be able to help if you feel threatened or if she shows up unannounced.
Communicate with Your Partner: Keep an open line of communication with your partner about the situation. It’s critical for both of you to be on the same page regarding boundaries and your responses to her mother’s behavior.
Consider Blocking Communication: If blocking her on your phone or social media is an option, discuss this with your partner. Sometimes cutting off all communication can help reduce stress and prevent further escalation.
Safety Plan: Develop a safety plan with your partner that includes steps you both can take if your mother-in-law comes to Australia. Consider things like safe places to go, who to contact in an emergency, and how to handle any unexpected visits.
Support Network: Lean on friends, family, or support groups who can provide emotional support during this challenging time. It’s important to have people around you who can offer assistance and understanding.
Counseling: If the stress becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can help you cope with the anxiety and fear you’re experiencing.
Remember that you have the right to feel safe in your own home and relationship. You’re not alone in this, and there are resources and people available to help you navigate through it. Take care of yourself.