I was honored to work this year with House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian and advocates on successful legislation that would protect domestic violence victims from abusers using the courts as an extension of their abuse through a practice referred to as abusive litigation. Unfortunately, in some cases, once a domestic violence survivor ends an abusive relationship and tries to move on, abusers will file frivolous lawsuits just to get in the same room as, or further harass, the victim. Abusive litigation also has a financial impact on victims, who may have to take time out of work to appear in court with their abuser, pay for child care during court and pay legal fees. This bill will give courts the tools they need to dismiss suits that lack merit and protect victims from having their lives further disrupted.