My wife's boyfriend spanked my child and told him is there anything I can do about it?

[OwenD8]

My wife and I have been separated since June. I was on the phone with my 8-year-old because it was his birthday this morning. In the background I could hear the new guy yelling at my 5-year-old son, telling him that he shouldn't throw tantrums because he would have to face off with him and then proceeded to make fun of my kid and tell him to cry about it and tell him to smarten up or he was going to get a spanking, and then spanked him. What can I do about this?

[Guy13]

IF it were me...

Although you are well intended and fundamentally right consider these things:

Firstly, your wife's maturity and judgment.

Secondly, the ramifications of the child testifying against Mom THROUGH the boyfriend... the boyfriend hit her. How will Mom react to child as it relates to this possibility? Immediate Social Services inspection BUT first thing GO to the Doctor, Doc in a box, ER etc... get pics and report.

Try to do this without questioning the child... if that boyfriend has a chance for payback etc

[KrakenAttackin]

I would lose my shit of the new guy hit my child. Unfortunately, you are probably going to have to talk with your attorney. You could file a police report, depending on how severe the spanking was.

[KrakenAttackin]

Your ex won't help as she likely wants the relationship more than safety for her kids (common). Talk with the police to document this incident and contact your attorney. You may be able to get a restraining order preventing the new guy from contact with your kids. Be aware this could get expensive.

[OwenD8]

In all honesty I want to go knock his teeth in!

[KrakenAttackin]

You will end up in jail and the courts will hit you with a protection order preventing you from seeing your kids.

[OwenD8]

well duh... i won't but you know obviously

[all_hayl]

Give your attorney (or the police if you suspect abuse) a call.

Note: depending on your local laws, corporal punishment might not be illegal or considered abuse, esp if your wife is okay with it.