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Originally Posted by Kimnat Thanks to you 2,
I'm sorry if I don't sound understanding, but that isn't the case. I think I was extremely patient but have gotten to the end of that.
I'm just worried about the escalating violent tendencies: if we were to say "enough is enough, don't call and don't come by, and we mean it", what will happen? Instead of the phone ringing at 3 a.m. will it be the door? How far will this go?
Sorry, I just think the only way I will feel safe is if he is in prison or deceased. It's been a long time since we have slept well, I am tired.
Kimnat |
In the USA, family members can get what is called a Mental Hygiene Warrant. This is obtained via family court and the family must go to the court in person and simply present verbal and/or written evidence of the individual's psychiatric or, in some cases, substance abuse history which manifests in some level of dangerous, disruptive, or harrassing behavior towards the person(s) involved. What would happen is that, once this is in place, when the police are called on the individual, that person is taken to a psychiatric emergency room, not to jail. One problem. It does not ensure admission to an inpatient unit, only a psychiatric evaluation, which would be done in an emergency room. I coordinate an emergent psychiatric program and we have a mobile crisis team which assists patient's families in this. It is a rather simple process, in any event. Most folks don't know about this option. I think I read that you are from Canada and, of course, you may not have this legal venue avaliable.
There is also another course of action which is often used and you may have read about it. AOT. Assisted Outpatient Treatment. This is a court mandate placed on the individual, which orders that person to comply with outpatient treatment and take medication. If they fail to comply, that person is placed involuntarily into a psychiatric inpatient unit. This is an extreme measure, but is used in the USA in cases like yours.
Again, if you do not live in the US, you would have to investigate these options or options like these, in your country. Perhaps you can find resources on the web by searching AOT or mandated treatment.
Of course, there is the more conventional method which is to get a restraining order of protection. Again, I do not know if your country has this as a legal option, but, as an example, my wife needed to get one from a patient of hers, who assaulted her. That person cannot go near my wife, contact her, or be within a certain proximity of her, lest she gets arrested. In my spouse's case, if this person should violate the order, she will immediately imprisoned, based on the original charge of assault, which was dropped under the conditions outlined above.
I wish I knew about more resources for you and your family as this is truly a horrible situation for all concerned.