In this week’s “Legal Abuse Chronicles”, we take a look at how Legal Abuse affects a victim. First of all, it is important to realize that Legal Abuse has a profoundly negative impact on the lives of its victims, extending far beyond the courtroom. This form of abuse, often hidden and misunderstood, manipulates the legal system to harass, control, and financially drain individuals, leaving long-lasting financial, emotional, and psychological scars. Survivors of legal abuse frequently endure needlessly prolonged legal battles filled with baseless claims, excessive filings, or manipulative tactics designed to overwhelm them. The constant dread of court dates, legal fees, and uncertainty can paralyze victims, making it nearly impossible to move forward with their lives.
The financial toll is often one of the most significant burdens as victims are forced to defend themselves against frivolous motions and appeals regardless of the merits of the case. Those legal fees can accumulate quickly, and for those with limited resources, the pressure to settle, regardless of the outcome, becomes overwhelming. Legal Abuse can also often drive individuals into debt, as their abusers use it like a tool to leave them financially devastated.
In addition to financial turmoil, the emotional toll of Legal Abuse is also immense. Victims can experience anxiety, stress, and frustration, compounded by the feeling of being trapped in an unjust system. They may feel powerless as their abuser continues to manipulate legal procedures to exert control, even after other forms of abuse have ended. This can lead to mental health challenges, including depression, insomnia, and forms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Legal Abuse Syndrome (LAS) is one such form of PTSD, resulting from the emotional and psychological trauma caused by prolonged legal battles. This chronic condition, often referred to as “Psycholegal” Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, was coined by Karin Huffer* and highlights how legal abuse can leave lasting mental scars. Stay tuned, for a future blog where we dive deeper into LAS and its far-reaching effects on survivors.
Legal Abuse can also alienate victims from their support networks. Friends and family may struggle to understand the complexities of the legal system, and some may mistakenly believe that if the victim is being sued, they must have done something wrong. This isolation can compound the emotional distress, making it even harder for victims to seek help.
Prolonged legal battles, manipulation of the system, and constant pressure from an abuser can lead to overwhelming stress and anxiety. Over time, this relentless strain can cause severe mental health problems like depression, PTSD, and feelings of hopelessness. Tragically, for some, the toll becomes too much, leading to thoughts of suicide or extreme actions, up to and including murder, in a desperate attempt to escape the abuse. Legal abuse is not just a misuse of the justice system; it can drive victims to unimaginable breaking points, with catastrophic consequences.
Additionally, long-term legal abuse could significantly impact a person’s physical health, as the stress and anxiety it causes could manifest as a physical illness over time. Constant worry, sleepless nights, and the emotional strain of prolonged legal battles may weaken the immune system, leading to chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and digestive issues. The relentless pressure can also result in fatigue, weight loss or gain, and even chronic pain. Legal abuse should not be thought of as just an emotional burden—it wears down the body, accelerating physical degradation and diminishing overall well-being.
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.