Domestic Relations Definitions: Title XXX, Chapter 455.010

Missouri Revisor Statute, Title XXX, Chapter 455.010, Definitions, defines "Coercion" as "compelling another by force or threat of force to engage in conduct from which the latter has a right to abstain or to abstain from conduct in which the person has a right to engage;". In addition, this section defines "Harassment" as "engaging in a purposeful or knowing course of conduct involving more than one incident that alarms or causes distress to an adult or child and serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable adult or child to suffer substantial emotional distress and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner or child."