The family living in the apt. below me are constantly arguing. I've tried to help, but don't know what to do.

Question

A family moved in below us about 2 months ago. I can tell the husband is abusive, or at least has a horrible horrible temper and constantly takes it out on his wife and child. As soon as he comes home he slams the front door and continues to slam doors throughout the apartment. We can even hear him slamming drawers in the bathroom and on the dressers. He also yells at them so loud I can understand what he is saying. The poor child is stuck in the middle of it. Sometimes he just cries and cries. I've even heard the dad tell him he'd had enough and to shut up! This is about a 2 yr. old boy!!! I've contacted the front office and they never did anything. Last night during a particularly bad fight (where the left the little boy inside crying at the door while they fought in the parking lot) I called the cops. By the time they arrived the fight had calmed down. I don't know what she told the cops, but the left immediately. What can I do to help these ppl? Anything?

Not to mention the father smokes pot all the time, on the porch and in his home. I smell it a few times a week.

And they started fighting again as soon as the cops left so, it isn't going to stop. They even fought this morning.

Answer 1

Keep calling the cops. It is the right thing to do. If you fear for the little child's saftey, call child protective services.

Answer 2

You need to complain to the apt office each time this happens. It needs to be in writting and dated. They might not do anything.......but there will be evidence that you have complained and not been taken seriously. Keep copies of your written complaints.
You have the right to live in peace & not be exposed to their noise.
Call child protective services where you live. Call the cops each time it happens so that there is documented proof of the constant fighthing.

I would advise that you go down to the cops and sit down with an officer and tell them what is happening. In order to get help for the wife and child, everything needs to be documented. The cops probably know this family by now and they will need witnesses eventually if and when this man is help accountable for his actions.

I have been in similar circumstances twice. And the first time the apt office was glad to have concrete evidence to kick the people out. The second experience I ended up being a safe place for the children to come. The cops knew me and they knew I protected the children. The grandparents knew me and they would come and pick up the kids. The mother would be so drunk that she didn't even know I protected the kids. The cops depended on me for information. The state worked on getting the kids to be in the protection of the grandparents. I felt good that I helped get those kids to a safe place.

Answer 3

1) You aren't their social worker. IT may seem cold, but out of sight out of mind....Meaning keep calling the head office and tell them if they don't do anything about the noisy neighbors you're withholding rent.

2) If you TRULY want to help then call the department of child services. Have them make sure the social worker is there on a regular basis BEFORE the father comes home and doesn't leave until he's been there for a while. If they fight after the social worker leaves, call the department fast and make sure the social worker comes back as soon as possible.

3) Ignore it. Some women (Not all) don't want to be helped. Its a control issue when the couple fight...By stepping in, you're taking control away from the woman. She might view this as losing. (I know that's weird, but not everyone thinks logically...obviously)

Answer 4

you're a cool neighbor! and so far you're doing what needs to be done. you need to fill out an "information" report. the detectives will tell you how. you can even do it over the phone. you need to constantly call the cops when the child is "stressed" during the fight. this is child endangerment! also when you fill out the informations report no actions will be taken BUT it will be on record that this was a problem. so if anything happens to the woman and child there is a "record" of the families problems. perhaps writing a letter would show them there is an audience above them and that you are not nosey but are concerned. you also need to make it clear you have told the cops about them and that if anything happens to the woman and child there is a record. this may ambarrass them both into straightening up. you may also suggest counseling for the two. i hope this helps! good luck!

Answer 5

I would call the office about the drugs. Its the worst thing about living in an apartment and smelling that. Also call and report the NOISE not the fight. Say you want to press charges. Something needs to be done to help stop it. You shouldn't have to live on top of these people.

Buy a recorder and record it and allow the cops to hear it. Take a pic of the guy smoking weed outside the building for proof.

Answer 6

Call the state department of family sevices. Tell them you are concerned about the environment the child is living in. Explain the situation. Some states will let you call anonymously and they have to investigate within a certain period of time. Tell them the exact date and time the police arrived, even if the argument had toned down by then and nothing was done. The police department should at least have a record of someone responding to the call.

Answer 7

Don't know what state you are in but there is a social service agency similar to my state called the Division of Youth and Family Services.Call them. Your name will not be mentioned as the source.The main concern is the child at this stage. They ,after looking into it might be able to convince the mom that she DOES NOT have to put up with this abuse.
An after thought. Don't blame the police. When they go to the residence if nobody presses charges, well, there is nothing they can do. Don't blame the police

Answer 8

you should call your local child protection services center. they will check into it. you have done every thing else you can do and that little boy shouldn't be put through that night and day. all they will do is go out and see if there is a problem and check into the family, you wont need to leave a name or anything but the more you leave the more serious they take the case. something needs to be done before someone gets hurt or the cycle continues with the son. your doing the right thing

Answer 9

Just continue to call the police. When you call, tell the dispacher that YOU would like to file a report so they have a record of the issues that are going on, since abused spouses don't usually want to risk another beating by pressing charges.

If it continues, go to your leasing office and ask to go over your lease. There should be a clause in there about disturbances. They could make the neighbors move, or should be able to get you out of your lease or move you to another, quieter location.

Good luck!

Answer 10

I would stay out of it.. You are only asking for trouble for yourself.
Try writing a letter to your building manager again.. I would add the pot thing in there. If you want to get involved which i strong don't advise because you yourself could get hurt.. try talking to the wife before the husband gets home. Tell her you are concerned for her and her son. Don't be surprised if she tells you to buzz off but at least you will stay out of it.. Or maybe she will tell you she needs help.. some people don't know how to ask for help.. Let her know you can hear all the screaming and you are just concerned for their safety... Good luck.. turn up the TV or radio.. its too bad you shouldn't have to live like that in your own home

Answer 11

You can call child protective services and also keep calling the cops, they have to catch them one of the times, mention the child when you call also so they check on the kid when they do there and not only the fight.