Can I Take Legal Action for Past Sexual Harassment by My Ex-Husband in Utah?

Attorney Answer

What you are describing, a pattern of obscene and coercive text messages from your ex-husband, can raise both criminal and civil concerns in Utah, even though it happened in the past and you no longer have the messages saved.

Criminal harassment or stalking. Utah law criminalizes stalking, which includes repeated unwanted contact or communication that would cause a reasonable person fear or emotional distress (Utah Code Section 76-5-106.5). Repeatedly pressuring someone for sexual videos and sending obscene messages could potentially fit this or a related harassment offense, depending on the full pattern of behavior. Because this happened years ago, criminal charges may be limited by time, so it is worth talking to police or a prosecutor's office about whether anything can still be charged, rather than assuming it is too late.

Evidence, even without your phone. You do not necessarily need your own copy of the texts. Your cell phone carrier may retain records for a period of time, and if he sent messages through apps like iMessage or social media, those platforms sometimes retain data too. An attorney or investigator can help you request these records properly, if they still exist.

Protective orders. If you have any current fear of him or believe he could contact you again, Utah allows victims of domestic abuse or stalking to request a civil protective order, which does not require an active criminal case.

Civil claims. Depending on the details, this kind of conduct could potentially support a civil lawsuit for damages, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, though civil claims also have their own filing deadlines that get harder to meet the longer you wait.

What can help right now:

1. Write down everything you remember, including approximate dates, what was said, and how often it happened, while your memory is fresh. 2. Contact your phone carrier to ask what records they can still provide. 3. Consider filing a police report, even if you are unsure whether charges will result. 4. Reach out to a domestic violence victim advocate in your area. Many offer free guidance regardless of how long ago the abuse happened.

This is general legal information, not legal advice. A Utah attorney, or a local victim advocate, can help you understand your options based on the specific dates and details involved.