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 Wisconsin, 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 have an adverse effect on the psychological well-being of a child. Wisconsin law, specifically under Section 48.02(1)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes, defines child abuse to include harm to a child's psychological capacity or emotional stability. When such cases are brought before the court, the impact of emotional abuse is taken very seriously, especially in the context of custody disputes. The court's primary concern is the best interest of the child, as stipulated by Section 767.24 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which governs the determination of child custody and placement. A history of emotional abuse can significantly influence the court's decision on custody arrangements, potentially limiting or conditioning the abuser's parental rights to ensure the child's safety and well-being.