What Should I do if I Have Been Verbally Threatened
Violent threats, even those carried out verbally, can seriously affect your mental health and life. When you feel threatened or unsafe, you may feel a range of emotions, from fear to anxiety and aggression or anger. When you or a loved one is being threatened, verbally or otherwise, you may also feel confused, unsure, and confrontational. However, it is immensely crucial to note that what you do next can affect your entire life.
If you strongly believe that the verbal threat is credible or real, you must report the incident to the police as soon as possible. If you are not sure whether or not the threat is real, it is best to assume that it is anyway. You should also know that all types of threats are illegal, whether it’s verbal or written, and can be in the form of a text or voice message, video, phone call, letter, social media post, or email, particularly if the threat involves physical harm.
What to Do If You Have Been Verbally Threatened
Think Before You Act
When dealing with a verbal threat or any type of threat, you must take it seriously, try to remain calm, and avoid exchanging threats. Do not verbally threaten your aggressor or send them a written threat. When you feel unsafe, angry, or unsure, you can mistakenly say or write things you can’t take back. However, what you don’t want is to give the aggressor evidence that you also threatened them or inadvertently push the aggressor to carry out the threat against you.
Tell Someone About The Threat
If you don’t want to involve the police just yet, tell someone about the incident. If possible, do not try to meet with the person threatening you. If you must contact them, consider calling them and have your confidant listen to the conversation so they can be your witness if necessary.
Gather and Keep All Evidence
Save every piece of evidence related to the threat, such as messages, call logs, screenshots, etc. These will serve as evidence of the threat and help support your case if you decide to obtain a restraining order or pursue legal action.
Obtain a Restraining Order
If you reasonably fear for your safety or the threats keep on coming, verbal or otherwise, obtain an order of protection, commonly called a restraining order, ASAP. You will want to discuss your case with a Nashville, TN, restraining order attorney to find out more about how restraining orders work and how to obtain one the fastest way possible.
Consider Pursuing Civil or Criminal Action
In most cases, aggressors are arrested and charged with assault. This applies to assault cases involving verbal threats. Assault can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. Also, you may consider bringing a civil claim for the damages you suffered due to the assault.
Reach Out to an Experienced Nashville, TN, Restraining Order Attorney
For more information about obtaining a restraining order, contact the Nashville, TN, restraining order at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC. You can schedule your free consultation with our Nashville, TN, restraining order attorney by calling 615-620-5803 or fill out our online contact form.