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 Vermont, emotional abuse of a child is recognized as a form of child abuse and can lead to criminal charges. Vermont law defines child abuse to include cases where a child's emotional health and development are impaired due to a parent or guardian's actions or inactions, which could be considered emotional maltreatment. The courts in Vermont consider the best interest of the child as the paramount concern in custody determinations. Therefore, a history of emotional abuse can significantly influence the court's decision on custody arrangements. The court will evaluate factors such as the relationship between the child and the parent, the parent's ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment, and any history of domestic violence or abuse, including emotional abuse, when making custody and visitation decisions. The impact of emotional abuse on the child's well-being is taken seriously, and protective measures may be put in place to safeguard the child's emotional health.