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"Paper abuse": when all else fails, batterers use procedural stalking
Susan L Miller1, Nicole L Smolter
1Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, 335 Smith Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. slmiller@udel.edu
Violence Against Women
|May 3, 2011
Summary
Men continue to exert control through "paper abuse" after women leave violent relationships. This involves frivolous lawsuits and false reports, creating financial and emotional burdens for survivors.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Law
Background:
- Women exiting violent relationships often face ongoing control tactics from former partners.
- These tactics, termed "paper abuse," include legal and systemic manipulations that prolong harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the phenomenon of "paper abuse" and its impact on women post-separation from abusive relationships.
- To highlight the need for improved documentation and legal protections against continuing control.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative data collection through in-depth interviews.
- Inclusion of perspectives from women survivors, legal professionals, and policy specialists.
Main Results:
- "Paper abuse" manifests as frivolous lawsuits, false child abuse reports, and other system-based manipulations.
- These actions exert power, enforce contact, and impose financial burdens on ex-partners.
- Researchers have not fully explored the significance of this continuing abuse.
Conclusions:
- "Paper abuse" is a significant, yet under-researched, form of post-separation abuse.
- Attorneys and practitioners emphasize the necessity of enhanced documentation to protect survivors.
- Further research and policy development are needed to address these control tactics.
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