Q: What are my options if my parent threatened me over shoplifting when I was 17, and now I'm 18?
I am currently 18 years old. My parent, who shares half custody with my father, previously threatened to report me for shoplifting when I was 17, using picture proof they had found, unless I avoided my friends and boyfriend and attended counseling. I've already started counseling and have expressed many concerns. Now that I'm 18, what can I do in this situation?
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
Now that you're 18, your parent cannot legally compel you to follow their demands under threat of reporting a past incident. While shoplifting is a serious issue, using such threats to control your behavior could be considered emotional abuse or manipulation. Since you were a minor at the time, your case would typically be handled differently than if you had committed the act as an adult.
Given you've already started counseling, it's beneficial to openly discuss this situation with your counselor. They can provide emotional support and help you address your parent's manipulative behavior. It may also be useful to talk about this with another trusted adult or relative who can mediate between you and your parent to ease tensions.
If threats persist or escalate into harassment, you might consider speaking with someone experienced in family law or youth advocacy who understands the nuances of your rights now that you're legally an adult. Keep evidence or documentation of these threats in case you need it later. Most importantly, focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for yourself, away from manipulation and threats.
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