Should a parent who does not molest his/her child but only threatens to do so go to prison?

This is assuming the threat to sexually molest the child was spoken to the child in a serious, threatening manner, in secret, of course, not in front of anyone but the child. I realize that under those circumstances it would be difficult to convict a parent in a court of law, but I don't want a legal opinion here, just your take on it; after all, nothing really happened, right? The child was not actually molested, only threatened with it. If it makes any difference, assume that the child is about 9 or 10 years old and a girl.

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bigjohndl · 70-79, M

I am not sure why this would even be a question on here. If you and the child are the only ones that know about it (other than the whole SW world, now) then you must be the one that threatened the child.

greenmountaingal · 70-79, F

@bigjohndl Or the child who was threatened. My mother did this in 1954; I still react with middle of the night anxiety now and then. I have been told that I wasn't a victim because it was only a threat; I disagree, and I wanted to know if others would see it my way.

SW-User

@bigjohndl don't make assumptions....and @greenmountaingal I think you are very brave to be able to post this. Threatening to abuse a child IS abuse. I hope you find some peace in your heart x