End Abusive Litigation: Protect Domestic Violence Survivors and Promote Justice

The Issue

I, as the creator of this petition, have personally experienced the devastating effects of abusive litigation for over 14 years. It is with great urgency that I call upon lawmakers and legal authorities to take immediate action to regulate and restrict this harmful practice. Abusive litigation not only undermines the principles of justice but also inflicts severe emotional, financial, and psychological distress on its victims.

Abusive litigation serves as a powerful tool employed by perpetrators of domestic violence to maintain control over their victims even after they have escaped the relationship. By weaponizing the court system, abusers can continue their pattern of abuse, harassment, and intimidation, causing significant distress and emotional harm to the survivors. Through vexatious and frivolous lawsuits, false allegations, and relentless legal maneuvers, abusers create a never-ending cycle of stress and fear, leaving the victims trapped in a constant state of anxiety and vulnerability.

The tactics employed in abusive litigation are multifaceted. Abusers may file repetitive lawsuits or engage in strategic delays to exhaust the financial resources and emotional resilience of their victims. They exploit the legal system's complexities to manipulate proceedings, prolonging the litigation process and forcing survivors to repeatedly confront their trauma. Additionally, false accusations and malicious litigation not only burden the victim with the need to defend themselves but also tarnish their reputation, making it difficult for them to move forward and rebuild their lives. Ultimately, abusive litigation perpetuates the power imbalance, denies survivors their right to safety and justice, and prolongs their exposure to the abusive tactics employed by their former partners. This predatory behavior not only clogs our already burdened court systems but also denies genuine litigants their rightful access to justice.

According to a study conducted by Harvard Law School's Access to Justice Lab (source: Harvard Law School), abusive litigation accounts for an alarming percentage of cases in our courts today. These cases drain valuable resources from our legal system while causing immeasurable harm to individuals who simply seek fair resolution.

The consequences faced by victims are far-reaching. Families are torn apart as they struggle under the weight of mounting legal fees, prolonged court battles, and constant fear for their future stability. Businesses suffer significant financial losses due to diverted resources that could otherwise be invested in growth and innovation.

Furthermore, abusive litigation disproportionately affects marginalized communities who lack adequate resources or knowledge about navigating complex legal processes. This perpetuates systemic inequalities within our society by denying them equal protection under the law.

To address this urgent issue effectively, we propose implementing comprehensive measures aimed at regulating abusive litigation:

1) Strengthening judicial oversight: Establish clear guidelines for judges when determining whether a lawsuit is frivolous or maliciously motivated.
2) Imposing penalties on abusers: Introduce stricter penalties such as fines, sanctions, or even disbarment for attorneys found guilty of engaging in abusive litigation practices.
3) Promoting alternative dispute resolution: Encourage the use of mediation and arbitration as viable alternatives to lengthy court battles, reducing the burden on our legal system.
4) Expediting case dismissal: Streamline procedures to swiftly dismiss frivolous lawsuits, preventing unnecessary delays and protecting innocent defendants from prolonged suffering.

By signing this petition, I urge lawmakers and legal authorities to prioritize the regulation and restriction of abusive litigation. Let us protect victims from further harm while upholding the principles of justice that our legal system is built upon.

Together, we can put an end to this destructive practice and ensure that every individual has access to a fair and just legal process. Join me in demanding change today!

Here is the Bill I am advocating to be passed: https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2021/Bills/House/PDF/H795v1.pdf 

Crowd funding donations can be made at the following link: Donate Now! 

avatar of the starter
Anonymous GatekeeperPetition StarterI am a survivor of domestic violence and a sufferer of abusive litigation for the last 14 years. Once I left my abuser they began using the court system as their personal weapon of destruction to impose post separation abuse on me.

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The Issue

I, as the creator of this petition, have personally experienced the devastating effects of abusive litigation for over 14 years. It is with great urgency that I call upon lawmakers and legal authorities to take immediate action to regulate and restrict this harmful practice. Abusive litigation not only undermines the principles of justice but also inflicts severe emotional, financial, and psychological distress on its victims.

Abusive litigation serves as a powerful tool employed by perpetrators of domestic violence to maintain control over their victims even after they have escaped the relationship. By weaponizing the court system, abusers can continue their pattern of abuse, harassment, and intimidation, causing significant distress and emotional harm to the survivors. Through vexatious and frivolous lawsuits, false allegations, and relentless legal maneuvers, abusers create a never-ending cycle of stress and fear, leaving the victims trapped in a constant state of anxiety and vulnerability.

The tactics employed in abusive litigation are multifaceted. Abusers may file repetitive lawsuits or engage in strategic delays to exhaust the financial resources and emotional resilience of their victims. They exploit the legal system's complexities to manipulate proceedings, prolonging the litigation process and forcing survivors to repeatedly confront their trauma. Additionally, false accusations and malicious litigation not only burden the victim with the need to defend themselves but also tarnish their reputation, making it difficult for them to move forward and rebuild their lives. Ultimately, abusive litigation perpetuates the power imbalance, denies survivors their right to safety and justice, and prolongs their exposure to the abusive tactics employed by their former partners. This predatory behavior not only clogs our already burdened court systems but also denies genuine litigants their rightful access to justice.

According to a study conducted by Harvard Law School's Access to Justice Lab (source: Harvard Law School), abusive litigation accounts for an alarming percentage of cases in our courts today. These cases drain valuable resources from our legal system while causing immeasurable harm to individuals who simply seek fair resolution.

The consequences faced by victims are far-reaching. Families are torn apart as they struggle under the weight of mounting legal fees, prolonged court battles, and constant fear for their future stability. Businesses suffer significant financial losses due to diverted resources that could otherwise be invested in growth and innovation.

Furthermore, abusive litigation disproportionately affects marginalized communities who lack adequate resources or knowledge about navigating complex legal processes. This perpetuates systemic inequalities within our society by denying them equal protection under the law.

To address this urgent issue effectively, we propose implementing comprehensive measures aimed at regulating abusive litigation:

1) Strengthening judicial oversight: Establish clear guidelines for judges when determining whether a lawsuit is frivolous or maliciously motivated.
2) Imposing penalties on abusers: Introduce stricter penalties such as fines, sanctions, or even disbarment for attorneys found guilty of engaging in abusive litigation practices.
3) Promoting alternative dispute resolution: Encourage the use of mediation and arbitration as viable alternatives to lengthy court battles, reducing the burden on our legal system.
4) Expediting case dismissal: Streamline procedures to swiftly dismiss frivolous lawsuits, preventing unnecessary delays and protecting innocent defendants from prolonged suffering.

By signing this petition, I urge lawmakers and legal authorities to prioritize the regulation and restriction of abusive litigation. Let us protect victims from further harm while upholding the principles of justice that our legal system is built upon.

Together, we can put an end to this destructive practice and ensure that every individual has access to a fair and just legal process. Join me in demanding change today!

Here is the Bill I am advocating to be passed: https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2021/Bills/House/PDF/H795v1.pdf 

Crowd funding donations can be made at the following link: Donate Now! 

avatar of the starter
Anonymous GatekeeperPetition StarterI am a survivor of domestic violence and a sufferer of abusive litigation for the last 14 years. Once I left my abuser they began using the court system as their personal weapon of destruction to impose post separation abuse on me.

The Decision Makers

North Carolina House of Representatives
4 Members
Timothy Longest
North Carolina House of Representatives - District 34
Renee Price
North Carolina House of Representatives - District 50
Donna White
North Carolina House of Representatives - District 26
Ted Davis, Jr.
Former State House of Representatives - North Carolina-19
John Autry
Former North Carolina House of Representatives - District 100
Allison A. Dahle
Allison A. Dahle
Representative, Democrat - District 11

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates