What can you do about slander? Please help!

I am writing from Missouri and am wondering what can I do about someone slanderizing me? My husband and I haven't spoken to his parents in about 6 months because they are so cruel to me. They constantly tear me down and insult me. Since we haven't talked with them in quite some time they have decided to get to me in other ways. They have gone to other family members and spread rumors about me and have even written and called the pastor of our church telling him that I am a whore, that I'm in a cult, that I sleep around behind my husband's back,etc. I am so angry that they are spreading all these terrible untrue things about me. I want to stop it. Please somebody tell me what I can do about this and also what kind of proof do I need? I am desperate for some help. Thanks!

[ALawyer]

Unfortunately the chances of winning a suit for slander are tiny. Most people recognize the charges are no better than the reputation of the person making them.

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Someone told me that if I can't sue for slander or "defamation of character" that I could probably press criminal charges for harassment. Is this true and what kind of proof do I need?
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ALawyer:
[b]Unfortunately the chances of winning a suit for slander are tiny. Most people recognize the charges are no better than the reputation of the person making them.
[/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>