I can’t keep fighting him; I’m exhausted. I feel like he’s never going to stop.

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My experience:

My ex-partner has changed lawyers three times now. And every time he does, the case gets delayed. The process is dragging out and I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m exhausted, both emotionally and financially. Sometimes I think about just giving him custody, just to make it stop. But I’m terrified for my kids. What if they think I abandoned them?

Explanation:

Abuse via weaponization of the legal system is a well-known strategy in cases of post-separation violence. The abuser is deliberately attempting to exhaust, undermine and financially ruin the victim, until she breaks under the pressure. Endless drawn-out proceedings, untruthful accusations and the accumulated stress can push some women to give up on advocating for their rights, which is a direct consequence of this type of abuse.

Resources:

Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale : controlecoercitif.ca 

This project was funded by the Government of Quebec/Secrétariat à la condition féminine.