QUESTION
Is it illegal to tell your child to kill themselves?
Asked on Mar 08th, 2014 on Criminal Law - New York
More details to this question:
My father keeps telling me to kill myself. Is that illegal in anyway (emotional abuse, endangering a child, etc)? I'm 17 by the way so I'm still underage.
7 ANSWERS
Ronald A. Steinberg
Not illegal, but incredibly cruel and stupid. You need to find a counselor to help you regain your self esteem. Your dad has some serious mental or emotional issues and you want to avoid being more damaged from him. I am truly sorry for you, and I hope you can find the strength to get over it and make a better life for yourself.
Answered on Mar 27th, 2014 at 6:08 AM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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Call CPS NOW and tell them what is going on. Do not wait. DO IT NOW!
Answered on Mar 11th, 2014 at 6:07 AM
Edwin K. Niles
It's not illegal (in the sense of a violation of the penal code) that I know of. Bad parenting for sure.
Answered on Mar 11th, 2014 at 6:01 AM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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It is most definitely a form of child abuse. However, whether it is actionable, I would need to know more facts. Very sad that a father would say that to their child.... If your situation is really tough, I suggest that you speak with one of your counselors at school, or with a teacher with whom you feel close. Don't let your dad get to you.
Answered on Mar 11th, 2014 at 5:22 AM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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It could be considered a form of abuse. Contact Children's Protective Services in your area or the police to see what can be done.
Answered on Mar 10th, 2014 at 11:46 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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Probably. Suicide is a criminal act. Encouraging one to commit a criminal act is some kind of accessory before the fact I would think. Want to take your parent on in court? is that the idea? Why don't you get a job and declare yourself free of your family. Don't know what innervates your father to say such things but he may have a point of view. Have you considered it from his point of view. What kind of child are you?
Answered on Mar 10th, 2014 at 11:27 AM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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I hate to be so vague, but my answer is "maybe". That does not sound like a rational thing to say, so could it be that he is suffering from a mental illness? I have a client who had a bad reaction to some medications and called up his (adult) daughter and said "some terrible things" and later deeply regretted it. Call CPS and see what they think.
Answered on Mar 10th, 2014 at 11:25 AM