A disabled queer, trans survivor of colour is seeking community support to raise funds to defend themselves against legal harassment and intimidation from their sexual assailant. In the next few months, Alex (alias) needs to pay upwards of $5000 in legal fees in a court case in which they have been forced to fight their abuser—almost entirely alone—for over the span of multiple years.

Thus far, Alex has already had to pay upwards of $7000 in legal fees out of pocket.

We are hoping to raise at least $5000 by June 2022. Raising this amount would help Alex to find safety and protection as well as provide the necessary financial support to offset past, present, and future legal costs. It would also support Alex to leave a traumatic part of their life behind so that they can move on to rest, heal, and be engaged in their community once again.

Court systems in Canada are a colonial institution often used to retraumatize and silence survivors. Despite the #MeToo movement putting a spotlight on the prevalence of sexual violence, the Canadian judicial system continues in its re-victimizing and remains inaccessible to the vast majority of those who experience sexual violence, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. Whether it’s through strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) or criminal sexual assault/domestic violence trials, courts disproportionately punish survivors for resisting. Neither B.C.’s new anti-SLAPP legislation, Bill C-3 (a mandatory sexual assault training for newly appointed judges), nor other existing legal services ensure that survivors in this province receive adequate material supports to endure humiliating court processes in the first place, let alone heal.

For many years, Alex has felt afraid to live and speak freely. The psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial impacts of being dragged through litigation have been and continue to be indescribably devastating, and ripple outward to affect friends, family, and community. Consequently, Alex has had limited opportunities to heal, find justice, and move on with their life. This fundraiser is one of many ways we can show up for survivors within a country where they are discarded and disbelieved.

Thus far, Alex has experienced a significant amount of victim-blaming within the legal system and beyond. Let’s support Alex within this hostile environment and fight for their autonomy and safety after years of harassment.

No further details of the case will be disclosed, but we (as friends of Alex) will give the community an update with results when appropriate.

To send funds, you can: 
1. Click "Contribute" on this campaign page. Fundrazr accepts credit/debit cards, bank payments, and PayPal. 
2. Send an e-transfer to MutualAidForAlex[at]gmail[dot] com (Set PW to: "MAFA2022")

Please share this far and wide and contribute if you’re able. We deeply appreciate all support.