Legal abuse is when an individual uses or threatens to use a legal system to Legal abuse is when an individual uses or threatens to use a legal system to cause harm.

In our first post of “Legal Abuse Chronicles,” we tackle the often misunderstood and underreported topic “What is Legal Abuse?”. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of what legal abuse is, including those who are victims of it.

Legal Abuse occurs when someone manipulates the legal system to harass, control, or unjustly target another person. This could involve filing frivolous lawsuits, making false accusations, or dragging out legal proceedings to cause financial strain and emotional distress. While the law is meant to protect and ensure justice, in these cases, it’s often weaponized to do just the oppo

Legal Abuse can also be referred to as:

Judicial Abuse

High Conflict Divorce

Legal harassment

Legal intimidation

Legal bullying

Malicious prosecution

Abuse of process

One of the most troubling aspects of legal abuse is its ability to hide in plain sight. Because the actions take place within a legal framework, it can be difficult for victims to recognize they are being abused, and even harder for others to see it. The damage inflicted by legal abuse is often psychological and financial rather than physical, making it an invisible wound that many suffer in silence.

A very important, but overlooked point. Legal Abuse can be a form of Domestic Violence. While many are familiar with the more traditional forms of domestic violence, such as physical and emotional abuse, they may not realize that legal abuse can also be a devastating form of both control and coercion.

While domestic violence is a common form of legal abuse, it’s not the only one. Legal Abuse can occur in various other contexts such as the workplace where employers or coworkers may use legal threats or tactics to harass or intimidate employees, through HR (human resources). It could also occur in business relationships when business partners or competitors may engage in legal abuse to gain a competitive advantage or harm their rivals. Another context Legal Abuse could occur is in community interactions where neighbors or strangers may use the legal system to harass or intimidate others.

In essence, it’s important to recognize that legal abuse can take many different forms and can occur in a variety of settings.

Awareness of legal abuse is imperative for all as being able to identify it is a crucial step in supporting those who have and are currently suffering from it. By bringing understanding and raising awareness about legal abuse, we can better educate not only those who are most vulnerable to it but also protect those who are entrapped in this insidious form of abuse and advocate for reforms that prevent its misuse.

Understanding legal abuse is crucial for community members to protect themselves and others. If you or someone you know is experiencing legal abuse, it’s important to seek help. Contact a legal aid organization, law enforcement, or a support group for assistance.

Raising awareness is the first step toward ensuring that justice serves its intended purpose: to protect and uphold fairness, not to be a tool for manipulation and control.

By Pookar Chand, Writer and Editor of the Legal Abuse Chronicles and Content Coordinator for After Awareness.

After Awareness, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to build awareness of what legal abuse means and how it adversely impacts the survivor, their family, and the community. After becoming aware of being entrapped in legal abuse, we provide individuals with the education and resources they need to help take back legal, financial, and emotional control of their lives.