I would seriously look into finding a lawyer, detective agency, or better yet, an organization that helps individuals specific to your situation.

If all that you are saying is happening, yes, the best thing is to have meticulous records - even going so far as to documenting, as much you can, his behaviours in other aspects of his life (such as inability to hold down jobs because of behavioural problems, an inability to be stable as respects his living arrangements - ie. moving alot). Keep track of as much of that as you are able, including getting written affidavits from former landlords, bosses, tenants You'd be surprised at how co-operative people can be when they are presented with factual information about someone. (Won't work, though, if you behave, or have behaved, in the same sort of outragious behaviours as he has)

I HATE the fact that you have to deal with so much ******** before something is done. The law is such that hardly anything can be done until someone actually gets hurt.

If I were you, I would do, legally, what he is doing to you. There are many ways to make his life as miserable (such as hiring a "tough" private investigator, who can, on regular occasions (and minimal cost), make it known that HE is now being constantly watched for missteps that could seriously put his freedom in jeopardy.

On the otherhand, it could make him snap. (Gee, I'm not so good at advice-giving, am I?!)

You refer to a "we" in your reply. It suggests you are not alone in dealing with this. I hope so.

I know I did not give you a definite answer as to what to do either way - any action you will take will have their own unique consequences. Every illness has their degrees. Every individual manifests their illness(es) in different ways, according to their circumstances.

I guess I am one that would not take something like this lying down. My motto? "The best defence is a good offence."

Oh, one thing of VITAL IMPORTANCE is to try to discover EXACTLY what the nature of your ex's illness is. Guessing as to what his illness is, is just fruitless as many symptoms overlap when it comes to mental illness(es). This will, by far, help you to determine what course of action to take. Talk to a psychologist about this. Their opinion as to how to handle those with particular illnesses is invaluable.

And move if you have to. The safety of your family is paramount! No "stand" is worth the safety of your children.

THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION, AND I HAVE LOTS OF THEM, SO TAKE WHAT YOU WILL FROM THIS.