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 Massachusetts, emotional abuse of a child is considered a serious form of child abuse and can lead to criminal charges. The state's laws recognize that emotional abuse can have long-lasting and detrimental effects on a child's well-being. When it comes to family law and custody disputes, Massachusetts courts prioritize the best interest of the child. A history of emotional abuse can significantly influence the court's decision on custody arrangements. The court may consider factors such as the severity and frequency of the emotional abuse, as well as the potential for future harm to the child. The goal is to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the child's development. Therefore, allegations of emotional abuse are taken into account when determining custody and visitation rights, and they can lead to supervised visitation or even the denial of custody to the abusive parent.