Any legal advice about harassment for a friend of mine

[gaymeanshappy]

(Also posted in chat).

My friend's Mum abused her all through her childhood (some of it being utterly horrific). Now as an adult, they live in the same town and if she ever bumps into her Mum her Mum goes for her, hits her, punches her. She's also shown me texts her Mum's sent her, and they're awful. Telling her to kill herself, she's worth nothing she has nobody she's a bastard who should never have been born etc etc.

Her Mums also text me before saying what she'll do to her if she gets hold of her.My friend hasn't retaliated and I've told her not to reply to the messages. I asked my Sister (who works for the police) what she can do and she says she can report her for harassment, but she doesn't know what'll happen. My friend says after one certain incident the police were called by someone else but nothing came of it. I am really quite worried about my friend getting hurt. Some of her other family hit out at her too (her brother for example). I'd like her to report her Mum for historical child abuse too but again,, I'm not sure what'd happen and I don't know whether to encourage this especially as we live in different counties so it isn't as if I can be there to support her. Any advice appreciated.

Any advice?

bump
I have been posting a long time, but this is a newish name.

Your friend doesn't need legal advice, as her legal remedy is clear. She needs counselling to hopefully get her to a place where she can do the sensible thing and report her mother.

She needs to call the police everytime something happens. Screenshot all messages. She should be able to walk through town without fear of violence.

She could seek a non molestation order against her mother, but I think really as Collaborate says her trouble is the lack of will to just report these assaults and threats and get help from police.

Has she ever had help for what she went through?

I'm assuming it friend is in England there, but most places have similar laws.

Thanks all

She's getting counselling but it doesn't seem to be helping much. Im a counsellor but obviously cannot counsel friends, however I do try to help.

I think what your friend needs to do with immediate effect is stop the means for her mother to contact her. This will mean blocking her number on her phone and also make sure she is blocked on fb, messenger etc ( this goes for you too as she seems to have your number) Please advise her to ask any other friends to block too.
I think from there, should the contact continue, her only option is to contact the police. It would be completely up to her if she reports historic abuse

I've advised her to block her but she hasn't. She lives with another relative who does not allow her Mother to go into the house, so she's safe (ish) while at home.

And yes I have her number. I just ignore anything that comes to me from her. I've told her about the police but she seems to think they won't do anything as she's tried before and they haven't.. And yes she's worried about consequences with family if she reports historic abuse plus the inevitable stress of it, and what would or would not happen. Which I understand.

Thanks again all

Another thing I've not mentioned is I tink the reasons for not blocking on fb, phone etc is she often says things to me like 'But you should love your Mum'
'But she's my Mum' etc. Yes I understand that too. I've tried to help her deal with it.

The latest is, my friend was asked to go to an old friend's house for a catch up,and when she went there this 'friend' laid into her about how she is worthless, incapable of love because she's never had love as a child, is weak, horrible etc etc
When she told me I said 'I'll bet your Mum's put her up to that' and I know now that she did as I have a text from her mum saying 'Aww did someone have a go at (friend) tonight I told you I'd make her worthless.
I've not blocked her because my friend asked me not to. Do we think I should? I also think I might need messages for evidence if anything is reported?

Im no legal expert but screenshot the messages as they are evidence of harrassment and intent. Please buy your friend a copy of Susan Forwards Toxic Parents. She is being abused. Yes you are supposed to love your mum but equally she is supposed to love nurture respect you. Your friend must feel like she deserves this at some level, because she doesnt know any different.

Of course you should block her. Why on earth wouldn't you? If your friend won't block that's her choice. So the texts will keep coming

I've said the same expat :( and yes I will buy her that ( I've read it myself but no longer have it).
okay I will block her. I didn't because my friend asked me not to. I guess I'd be setting something of a good example to her if I do though.

You sound like you're a really good friend btw.

So I decided to show my friend this post. She has dyslexia so doesn't want to post herself, but has read all replies. I am quite concerned at the moment as she is writing down everything that's happened to her, and I know is finding it painful.