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 West Virginia, 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 by a caregiver that cause or could cause serious psychological harm to a child. The state's child welfare laws are designed to protect children from such harm, and authorities take allegations of emotional abuse seriously. When it comes to family court proceedings, particularly those involving child custody, the court's primary concern is the best interest of the child. A history of emotional abuse by a parent or guardian can significantly influence the court's decision on custody arrangements. The court may consider evidence of emotional abuse when determining custody and visitation rights to ensure that the child's health and welfare are safeguarded.