Opinion ID: 2632272
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Emotional Abuse

Text: Winston also contends there was not substantial evidence to support the finding that he emotionally abused M.W. and D.W. `Mental or emotional abuse' means acts or omissions that impair a child's social, emotional, or intellectual functioning or present a likelihood of such impairment. Emotional abuse shall include the following: (1) Terrorizing a child, by creating a climate of fear or engaging in violent or threatening behavior toward the child or toward others in the child's presence that demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the child; K.A.R. 30-46-10(g). There was substantial evidence to support the finding that Winston emotionally abused both D.W. and M.W. D.W. was so terrified of his father that he refused to enter the same room during the supervised visitation in January 1999 without police protection. D.W. also reported to Sarah Byall that he was `very afraid' of his father. D.W.'s fear of his father was apparent to Janice Mueller during the divorce counseling group discussions. M.W.'s reaction to the visitation, as well as her journal entries, constitute substantial evidence that Winston abused M.W. As the presiding officer noted, the evidence is overwhelming that Winston emotionally abused both children. Mueller testified that after Julia and Winston separated she observed a change in M.W.'s and D.W.'s behavior in that they opened up to others. Winston contends that Mueller's testimony diminishes the claim that he has somehow interfered with the children's social and emotional functioning. Winston, however, misconstrues the testimony. The testimony supports the finding that Winston has impaired their social and emotional functioning. It was only after Winston was no longer a constant in the children's lives that they began to open up to others and participate. Winston also contends that evidence supporting the finding of emotional abuse of M.W. was based on events other than the courthouse visitation and, thus, any decision that he emotionally abused M.W. was rendered without jurisdiction. This argument has already been addressed previously. During the investigation of the alleged incident of sexual abuse, evidence was discovered that would support the finding of emotional abuse. The reversal of SRS's validation of Winston for sexual abuse does not undermine the fact that evidence of emotional abuse remained. Winston was aware that SRS was validating him for the emotional abuse of M.W. Thus, it was not beyond the jurisdiction of SRS to render a finding of emotional abuse under the circumstances.