Introduction to the Legal Abuse Explained Podcast I Ep. 1

We introduce our new podcast focused on explaining how the legal system can be weaponized and providing expert guidance on navigating these challenges.

• Host Ingrid Dutton (1 in 3 podcast) is joined by Karen Tosoni (co-founder of After Awareness) 
• Legal abuse occurs when abusers use court filings, custody battles, and financial litigation to continue control after separation
• The podcast will feature expert guests including attorneys, psychologists, and financial advisors
• Topics will include legal abuse syndrome, hiring the right attorney, documenting abuse, and protecting yourself financially
• The LEAF Alliance program (Legal, Emotional, and Financial) launching in 2026 aims to provide comprehensive support
• The podcast focuses on creating pathways forward rather than just highlighting problems
• Episodes will provide practical tools for self-advocacy and building resilience

Learn more about us and our work at afterawareness.org. You can also connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn @AfterAwarenessInc. Don't forget to check out our After Awareness Inc YouTube channel for more videos and insights.

Transcript

Introducing Legal Abuse Explained

Speaker 1 0:20

Hello and welcome to our brand new podcast , legal Abuse Explained , the podcast where we explain how the legal system can be weaponized and who pays the price . I'm Ingrid Dutton , host of the One in Three podcast , and I'm joined here with Karen Tassoni , co-founder of After Awareness . Hi , karen .

Speaker 2 0:41

Hello Ingrid , I'm so thrilled we're doing this . I'm excited that we can finally share the many layers of legal abuse and bring in the experts who are willing to share their knowledge to help others .

Speaker 1 0:55

For our listeners who may not know us yet . A big part of my mission with One in Three podcast has been to share stories and resources to help people understand the multifaceted nature of domestic violence . I've always believed that knowledge is the first step toward freedom and healing . My own journey led me to create a platform where people could feel seen and heard .

Speaker 2 1:18

Yes , I agree , the name after awareness comes from a very simple but powerful idea . Awareness comes from a very simple but powerful idea . We often talk about the moment a person becomes aware that they are a victim of abuse or that they are a victim of legal abuse . That awareness is a vital first step , but it's just the beginning . The real difficult work begins after that realization . We

What Legal Abuse Looks Like

Speaker 2 1:42

are here to help during that long , difficult part of the journey when you're no longer asking what is this , but what do I do now ?

Speaker 1 1:53

I love that you call it the real work , because it truly is . For years , I've had listeners reach out sharing stories of escaping abusive relationships , only to be trapped in a new kind of hell the legal system . They talk about court battles , custody disputes and being re-victimized by the very system that's supposed to protect them .

Speaker 2 2:14

Exactly the stories our organizations hear are so similar . My journey begins with my own experiences with legal abuse . I went from feeling empowered after leaving a toxic situation to feeling completely powerless once I learned he was using that system as a weapon of choice . Once after I left , it felt like that's when my abuse began . It's a form of abuse that is silent , insidious and often overlooked .

Speaker 1 2:48

Legal abuse is often overlooked because of its not seen as an immediate crisis until it is While legal abuse isn't always domestic violence , abusers may utilize the legal system to further control their victims . They weaponize court filings , child custody battles and financial litigation to continue their control , drain their victims' resources and extend the abuse for years .

Speaker 2 3:18

I was so deep in the legal battle that it felt like quicksand . The more I struggled , the faster I sank

Creating Solutions and Hope

Speaker 2 3:24

. I had to stop fighting in order to survive . The cost could have been my life . Once aware , it was the shocking realization that the system wasn't going to save me . My aha moment happened when a friend who had been a victim of the same type of abuse took her own life . Her death was the wake-up call I needed to realize urgency of this issue . This story is why I started . After Awareness , I wanted to create a lifeline of vetted resources . I wanted to save others from the same mistakes and provide a network of vetted resources . I wanted to save others from the same mistakes and provide a network of vetted experts . Our goal is to empower survivors to become their own advocates , so they have the tools and support and team not only to survive but to thrive .

Speaker 1 4:20

Survivors deserve a dedicated platform that sheds light on the often overlooked issue of legal abuse . That's why we came together to create this podcast . It's just not another conversation about domestic violence . It's a space that zeroes in on the intersection of domestic violence and the legal system , with a special focus on the many forms of legal abuse . Most importantly , expert guests will highlight solutions and pathways forward .

Speaker 2 4:49

And that brings us to the core of what this podcast is all about . We want to bring in the people who can offer real , tangible guidance . We're going to

Mission and Resources

Speaker 2 4:59

be interviewing legal experts , family law attorneys , psychologists , financial advisors and advocates out to help survivors . Our mission is to shift the conversation from a place of negativity to a place of hope . We focus on who can help in creating a clear path forward for survivors .

Speaker 1 5:24

Our goal is to demystify the legal process . We want to arm our listeners with knowledge . We'll have experts explaining what to look for when hiring an attorney , how to document abuse for court and how to protect yourself financially . We'll also cover topics like emotional and psychological resilience . It's about building a toolkit for self-advocacy .

Speaker 2 5:50

Exactly . We're going to tackle tough questions like what is legal abuse , how it affects the survivor , their family and the community . We will dive into specific topics like legal abuse syndrome . What is legal abuse syndrome and how does that look like ? Most importantly , we'll talk about what vetted resources are available to help survivors , specifically those facing legal abuse .

Speaker 1 6:17

Hearing from experts who understand this type of abuse can be incredibly validating . It can make you feel less alone and more prepared . Our guests won't just be talking about the theory .

Speaker 2 6:30

They'll be sharing practical advice and real-world strategies through this or is currently in the thick of it . It's also for friends , family members and advocates who want to be in better support for someone they love . Our first few episodes are already lined up and we are so excited to bring you some powerful conversations .

Speaker 1 6:55

We're on a mission to explain and educate , because when you know better , you can do better , and together we can work to understand the system .

Speaker 2 7:05

We cannot do this work alone . We need a collective of experts , a network of support that could be providing guidance . I never had and I want to make sure that's available to others . That is what our LEAF Alliance program was created for . Leaf stands for legal , emotional and financial . It is a crucial balance that can help each survivor in their own individual journey . We are super excited to launch early 2026 , and I am beyond

LEAF Alliance and Closing

Speaker 2 7:37

ready to begin this new journey together .

Speaker 1 7:41

Learn more about us and our work at afterawarenessorg . You can also connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn at After Awareness Inc . Don't forget to check out our After Awareness Inc YouTube channel for more videos and insights . Thank you for listening . We'll see you next time on Legal Abuse Explained . Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss one of our expert-led episodes . Thank you , you .