Abusive litigation: When your abuser exploits the legal system
Reviewed for legal accuracy on March 27, 2025
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Abusive litigation is when someone uses the legal system to take or keep power and control over you. It’s common in domestic violence cases.
Even if you’ve left your abuser, they can cause psychological, emotional, and financial harm by taking you—and even your friends and relatives—to court again and again.
This Legal Voice fact sheet explains what counts as abusive litigation, lists some common forms of abusive litigation, and has tips for what you can do to stop or prevent it.