Dad’s gossip caused teen’s mental health difficulties, Kildare court hears

A WOMAN whose teenage daughter was allegedly beginning to self-harm due to the behaviour of her estranged father was given an interim protection order, but will have to return to court in September if she is to extend it for a number of years.

The woman said she had split from her husband a number of years ago, “but I always tried to maintain a relationship with him for the sake of the children” at Naas District Court last week.

She said that she and her sister were the victims of childhood abuse – both physical and sexual – but that her estranged partner was now drip-feeding this information to the eldest child.

“My eldest daughter’s mental health is in grave danger,” she said. “Why would he put this in her head? She is now asking me about what happened her aunt and me.”

She added: “I’ve since found her banging her head with a hairbrush and rocking so hard ... He’s even sent my daughter a photo of him and his new wife lying on the bed together.

“He doesn’t pay maintenance, he left the country two years ago, but he still wants to be able to tell us what to do and he’s using my family’s trauma to impose this.”

Sent messages

The woman further told Judge Desmond Zaidan: “He’s sent her messages saying he’s coming back to the country and will see her one-on-one.”

“I will grant you the IPO,” ruled the judge.

“He should be supporting you and not blackmailing you, and kicking you when you’re down.”

Before adjourning the full hearing to 24 September, he added: “I can appreciate the significant personal difficulties this is causing you.

“You’re vulnerable, but she’s way more vulnerable. Are you getting her any help?” “Yes,” confirmed the mother.

“Your daughter was not born seeing a psychiatrist. These issues have been imposed on her,” he said.