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[ellen8804]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? IL

We befriended a woman (housed & fed until she got a job) 1-1/2 yrs ago, for about 6 mo. We realized she had a mental illness but didn't realize that she would decide to make me her victim.

Apparently for the last 7 months she has been going through the phone book & mailing (unsigned) letters of which the content is - embarassing, stupid mixed with truths & untruths - to surrounding city officals, businesses, American Legion etc. We think she's on her 3rd or 4th round-sometimes people are too embarassed to call & let me know about these letters. The city adjacent to mine's police dept. even had me come there.

She has no money or family that will assist her. Nor do I (we're both semi-retired). I don't know what to do. But, it just isn't funny & I'm beginning to fear that things may get worse as she appears to be bolder. Any help would be appreciated. Please e-mail me [email protected] Thanks.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

If the letters are unsigned then how do you know it is this woman who has written and signed them?

Also, since you did not detail any facts regarding the letters, how do you expect to get advice that is relevant?

 

[JETX]

And even if what you claim is actionable, your own statement that "She has no money or family that will assist her." should pretty much be enough to know that there is nothing you can do. Simply, no assets, no defamation suit.

 

[ellen8804]

If the letters are unsigned then how do you know it is this woman who has written and signed them?

Also, since you did not detail any facts regarding the letters, how do you expect to get advice that is relevant?

Oops - Actually, I know her handwriting. Over the weekend her brother mentioned that the family caught her writing the letters & they don't know how to stop it. I said that she needs a Dr. but he said she refuses to admit she's sick & insists that I'm following her etc.

The letters are very childish but make statements such as "a very contagious disease called XX", "sleeps w/many men", "a liar", she mentions my field- RE Appraiser & that I'm not a very good one (she's going thru the yellow pages sending letters to businesses etc), I ran for a public office so she mentioned that & that "she didn't win because no one liked her". It goes on!

It's easy to laugh it off or ignore it because you know the person is sick, but when it goes on continually (4-5 letters to the same places) it becomes a bit frightening as to what may happen next. FYI I'm in my mid-50's & happily married.

 

[cbg]

You cannot sue for what might happen. What damages have you suffered because of these letters? (That's a real question, not a rhetorical one.)

 

[ellen8804]

This woman is schizophrenic. The damage that she has done to me is emotional. I feel that I'm being stalked. Went to the police tonight - he stated that sometimes these types of people feel threatened things could get worse - that's all - more or less just ignore it.

You're right at this time I'm not sure if this will effect my income or career as I am in the public quite a bit. I don't want to sue - I just want to find a way to force her family to seek help for her. The only thing that they seem to be concerned about is the police.... suggestions are appreciated...