How do I get a restraining order?

Questioner

Dear, I haven't been in contact with my mother for several years. She likely has an undiagnosed mental illness. She pestered me for years with letters and emails and incited everyone with her lies. Fortunately, that has lessened. Now she only bothers my children. She waits for them, or visits them, and then tries to lure them home with candy. My children are afraid to play outside anymore. I went to the police, and they recommended a stalking letter so that everything would be clear about what was and wasn't acceptable. I sent this letter two years ago. Last year, I went back to the police station to file a report. Unfortunately, because it's my mother, they needed some additional information (like why I wrote the letter) to strengthen the case. I worked this out, but haven't heard anything since. I went back three weeks ago, but still haven't heard anything from the police. In the meantime, I called another agency and expressed my concerns about my children. My mother refuses to cooperate and claims the story is the other way around. That I'm the one harassing her. I have letters and emails here that tell a different story. Okay, all I want is for her to leave my children alone. Apparently, that's not possible with certain authorities. Do you have any advice, because I'm not getting anywhere with this, but I'm constantly struggling with children. Is there a possibility that she's no longer my mother/couldn't be? This remains an issue, but more importantly, how do I make her understand or force her to leave my children alone? If you need more information about this, please let me know. Best, NL

Questioner

Dear questioner, your question is not actually a legal question. If your mother has a mental disorder, she will not react differently to you. Perhaps it would be useful to have a conversation with her together with a third party? You can't give up your mother, and your mother can't give up yours. A restraining order (or restraining orders) would be more likely. You might be able to legally enforce these.

Questioner

Dear Monique Martens-Ferwerda, Thank you for your quick and clear answer. What steps do I need to take to enforce a restraining order? I always thought this would be handled by the police? Greetings

Questioner

Dear questioner, If the police refuse to cooperate, you could consider civil proceedings; see this link: http://www.vraaghetdepolitie.nl/sf.mcgi?540. If you live in the same neighborhood as your mother, the problem may be able to be resolved to some extent through a neighborhood mediator (district police officer).

Questioner

Thank you so much for your tips! I hope I can move forward again.