Draft a Cease & Desist Letter
for Harassment in Connecticut
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CEASE AND DESIST
HARASSMENT
I. Purpose
This letter serves as formal notice and demand that you immediately cease and desist from engaging in harassment, stalking, or related conduct prohibited by Connecticut law. Your repeated willful acts have caused me to reasonably fear for my physical safety and have disrupted my personal and professional life. This letter documents the unlawful behavior and the legal basis for my demand.
II. Conduct Requiring Immediate Cessation
These actions form a continuing course of harassment that invades my privacy, disrupts my daily life, and creates an ongoing risk of unwanted contact or intimidation.
III. Governing Law on Harassment
Under General Statutes § General Statutes §
A. Two or More Willful Acts
Your conduct includes at least two intentional acts, whether through direct contact, indirect contact, monitoring, or other unwanted behavior, that meet the statutory threshold for prohibited conduct.
B. Performed in a
C. Acts Include Harassing,
D. Conduct Causing
Given the nature, frequency, and persistence of the acts described in Section II above, I have
IV. Demand to Cease and Desist
Immediately cease all conduct described in Section II, including
Take all necessary steps to
Confirm in writing, no later than , that
Please govern yourselves accordingly.
Respectfully,
/s/
Cease and Desist Letter for Harassment in Connecticut
A cease and desist letter for harassment in Connecticut is a formal written demand instructing an individual to stop engaging in harassing, stalking, or threatening conduct. While it is not itself a court order, the letter serves as a clear and documented notice that the behavior is unwanted and must end immediately. In many cases, this type of letter can be a first step before seeking legal remedies such as a civil protection order.
Purpose of the Letter
The primary goal of a cease and desist letter for harassment in Connecticut is to create a formal record that you have clearly informed the other party that their behavior is unwanted and must stop. In the event you need to seek further legal relief, such as a civil protection order through the Connecticut Superior Court, having a dated and detailed letter can help demonstrate that you have made prior attempts to address the issue directly.
It also puts the recipient on notice that continued harassment could result in legal action, whether in the form of protective measures, damages, or other remedies.
Content That Strengthens Your Position
When drafting a cease and desist letter for harassment in Connecticut, the strongest letters tend to include:
- Specific incidents – Include dates, times, and a brief description of each harassing act. This shows a pattern and helps establish credibility.
- Clear demands – State exactly what actions must stop (e.g., phone calls, emails, showing up at your home or workplace).
- Warning of consequences – Without making threats, indicate that further harassment may lead you to take legal steps, including seeking a civil protection order.
- Deadline for compliance – Giving a firm date for the recipient to cease their behavior reinforces urgency.
By clearly outlining the conduct and your expectations, you reduce ambiguity and make the letter more enforceable in spirit, if not in law.
Linking the Letter to Possible Court Action
While sending a cease and desist letter for Harassment in Connecticut is not legally required before filing for a civil protection order, it can help bolster your case. If harassment continues after the letter is received, it can demonstrate to the court that the behavior is intentional and ongoing, rather than a misunderstanding.
In harassment cases involving stalking or repeated unwelcome contact, the letter can also help establish the “two or more willful acts” pattern often discussed in court proceedings. Although the letter itself is not part of the statutory process, it can work as a bridge between private attempts to stop harassment and formal legal action.
Format and Delivery
To maximize its effectiveness, a cease and desist letter for harassment in Connecticut should be:
- Typed, dated, and signed.
- Delivered in a verifiable way
- Kept professional and factual, avoiding emotionally charged language that could undermine your credibility.
Some people also choose to have the letter notarized to further formalize it.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many people draft their own cease and desist letter for harassment in Connecticut, consulting an attorney can ensure that the language is legally sound and strategic. An attorney can help avoid statements that could be misinterpreted, ensure the letter meets evidentiary standards, and advise you on whether sending the letter is the best immediate step.
There are situations where sending a letter may not be advisable, such as when it could escalate the harassment or put you at greater risk. In those cases, going directly to court for a civil protection order may be safer.
Moving Forward if Harassment Continues
If the recipient ignores your cease and desist letter for harassment in Connecticut, you may consider filing an application for a civil protection order. While the court process requires its own sworn affidavit and hearing, your letter can be part of the documentation you bring to show the ongoing nature of the harassment.
You may also choose to file a police report, especially if the harassment involves threats, stalking, or violations of existing protective orders. This can create additional official records to support your case.
Conclusion
A cease and desist letter for harassment in Connecticut is a practical and often effective first step in addressing unwanted contact or behavior. It formalizes your demand that the harassment stop, creates a paper trail, and can lay the groundwork for stronger legal action if necessary. While it does not carry the force of a court order, it sends a clear message: the behavior is unacceptable, documented, and will be acted upon if it continues.