I have an untreated-but-still-highly-functioning mentally ill brother in California who suddenly made 4 or 5 phone calls to my (senior) husband tonight. We captured these all on our message machine. They consisted of name-calling, cursing, humiliating, insulting and ridiculing harrassment. I have looked up the laws and this is a misdemeanor that could carry fines and jail time.

I am agonizing over what to do. It hurt my husband terribly, who did not at all expect this, and doesn't understand it, as my brother has never spoken to him in the four years we have been married.

My brother has always had rage problems, and my parents babied him and spoiled him because he has petit mal epilepsy. From things I have heard, he has the potential to be very violent. Since the rest of the family has Bipolar, everyone figures he may have it too. In the past, his periodic phone rages were always directed to me with horrible cursing and I would just try to reason with him but it didn't work. I have NO idea how he got hold of our currently unlisted phone number.

Should I have him prosecuted? Would this put an end once and for all to the harrassment? Or would it bring down more problems upon us afterward?
Thanks.

Even though your husband was upset, I don't think this qualifies as elder abuse which is a much more serious issue than someone cussin' and fussin' on the telephone... however, I DO understand how angry you feel to see your husband victimized! If this continues, you really will have to take some steps to prevent your brother from contacting you by phone.

You could block your brother's telephone number easily. Or you can hang up when he calls. You can call the telephone company and make a complaint.

Have you spoken with his wife about this? I mean she lives with him - she might need some help in getting help for him... Perhaps he is off his meds or something... He sounds like a loose cannon... Good luck.

This is very sad.

What're the possibilities you could change your phone number again?

1. Privacy laws would prevent that.
2. My brother lives 500 miles away, is married, has a home and a job.

Since he's not been treated,maybe it's time to gather what you have & present it to a Dr.or someone who can help you.