Emotional abuse of a child may constitute child abuse and be the basis for criminal charges. Because of the potential adverse effects on children, courts take issues of emotional abuse of children seriously, and a history of emotional abuse of the child may have a significant impact on the court’s determination of what custody arrangement is in the best interest of the child.
In Hawaii, emotional abuse of a child is recognized as a form of child abuse and can lead to criminal charges. Emotional abuse includes acts or omissions that may cause serious psychological harm to a child. Hawaii's child welfare laws consider emotional harm when assessing child abuse, and the state's Department of Human Services is responsible for investigating reports of such abuse. In custody disputes, Hawaii courts prioritize the best interest of the child, and a history of emotional abuse can significantly influence the court's decision on custody arrangements. The court may consider factors such as the safety, well-being, and psychological health of the child when making custody determinations. Therefore, evidence of emotional abuse can play a critical role in these decisions, potentially limiting or altering the custody rights of the abusive parent to protect the child's welfare.