Is the inability to speak with aunts on the phone—due to the psychological harm this causes—despite constantly inquiring about their well-being, forgiving them, and praying for them, considered a shortcoming or a severing of family ties, especially given that the aunts live abroad?

A believer maintains ties with his relatives even if they cut him off and mistreat him, because maintaining ties is not a matter of reciprocation. And whoever maintains ties with his abusive relatives, Allah will help him against them. Maintaining kinship ties is subject to custom and can be through financial support, visitation, or other means. Telephone communication is not obligatory unless custom considers its absence a severance. If maintaining ties leads to definite harm, then it is not obligatory in that case, for perhaps a beautiful avoidance is better than a harmful association.