Q: Is two letters in a row considered harrassment?
Someone sent me an apology letter and ended it by saying that they wouldn't contact me again. However a few weeks letter they sent another letter, adding some information to the apology, apologizing for sending a second letter, and reiterating that they wouldn't contact me again. The letters were not threatening or malicious. However I'm wondering, since they sent two in a row and I did not reply, whether this could be considered harrassment. They are in Massachussetts and I am in Puerto Rico.
A:
No- Under MA law, that would not be harassment at all. That law requires 3 or more acts that are harassing , defined as: willful and malicious/ done on purpose and was done for cruelty, hostility or revenge
Were aimed at you.Were intended to cause you fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property. “Abuse” means causing or attempting to cause physical harm, or causing fear of imminent serious physical harm.
Did in fact cause you fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property. A letter of apology would not be seen as malicious, threatening or revengeful or as evidence intent to harm you. Some people take time to process and realize wrongdoing. Others get to is via 12 step programs that ask them to go back and apologize or make amends. If you have received the letters file them away and ignore any contact unless it is threatening in some way. You can check to see whether PR law is different since you live there.
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