In this week’s “Legal Abuse Chronicles,” we examine why certain groups are more vulnerable to becoming victims of legal abuse. That being said, it should be noted that Legal Abuse is a torment that can befall absolutely anybody regardless of race, financial status, or personal circumstances. Typically, those targeted are minority groups, individuals with limited financial resources, or people already facing personal challenges such as divorce, custody battles, or employment disputes. Marginalized individuals, such as survivors of domestic violence, are also frequent targets, as abusers use legal harassment to maintain control. These victims often lack the financial means to defend themselves in drawn-out legal battles, making them more susceptible to frivolous lawsuits and manipulative legal tactics.

In family law cases, victims navigating emotionally charged disputes like divorces or custody battles face baseless lawsuits and false claims, which prolong proceedings and exhaust them financially and emotionally. Similarly, professionals who challenge powerful entities may face Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) designed to silence criticism and drain their resources. Activists, journalists, and whistleblowers often find themselves in this position, especially when opposing influential interests.

Small business owners and employees may also fall victim to legal abuse, particularly when larger corporations or powerful individuals file frivolous lawsuits to silence them or bankrupt competitors. Racial minorities and other marginalized groups face heightened risks due to systemic biases in the legal system, often finding themselves wrongfully accused or subject to false allegations, leading to emotional, financial, and psychological distress.

Ultimately, the common factor among legal abuse victims is their lack of power whether it be financial, social, or legal, leaving them defenseless against manipulative, drawn-out legal battles that seek to control and intimidate them.

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.