Tessa's Legal Defence Fund

It's difficult to know where to begin -- I wish I could speak with full transparency regarding the details of the legal matter brought forth upon me, but I am legally restricted from doing so [with exceptions carved out only for legal professionals, psychiatrists and counsellors, and immediate family members].

I had first been served with a statement of claim and a notice of motion in spring of this year. Over the past 9 or so months I have accrued over $100,000.00 in legal fees, disbursements, taxes, and other costs. I received my final statement of account on December 22nd. Throughout the civil suit I received multiple offers to settle, but declined as advised by the team of lawyers whom I retained. The final ‘offer’ came after the first motion hearing in September, which reached a judgement at the end of November. With being unable to continue financially, I was left with no other choice than to accept the ‘offer’ thereby closing the case.

I felt as though I stood a chance at achieving justice; similarly advocating for those who have felt victimized only to fall victim once again simply by sharing their story.

I am left feeling lost, overwhelmed, disappointed, and frustrated with the legal system at large. I am not able to file a defence and counterclaim as what was initially intended, in part, for the reasons mentioned above. There will be no trial.

I have spent the past ten years carrying the trauma and pain related to this civil suit. The lawsuit and the events preceding it have caused me to be subjected to re-live parts of my life that hurt me the most. Parts of my life that I will never get back and will always remain deeply affected by, despite the steps I took trying to mitigate the effects of what transpired.

I can only accept that I tried. I tried to be a voice of positive change and do what I believe was right, but realize I am only one person and I did as much as I could. Often, I am continuously told that 'the legal system is not the justice system'. Perhaps I was naive in thinking that by pursuing this case I could change that sentiment even slightly.

This leaves me where I am now; in dire need of financial support -- yet knowing there are so many others far more deserving of financial aid, when I had been aware of the risks associated to this process.

Any funds donated through this initiative [which I hope to be able to include more information on if able if able to do so] will be directly paid to my legal fees now due, as there is no possibility of me paying this bill in full; especially with interest being accrued for every 30 day period where I am unable to pay.

This chapter of my life has come to an abrupt end. In a way, I'm thankful despite not being able to achieve the outcome I once hoped for [being able to speak my truth]. I can now move on in my life — but need your help to do so.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you to those who have consistently cared for and supported me through what had been so difficult to withstand. The strength I had to continue over the years would not have existed if it weren't for you.

Knowing the truth > having the system acknowledge it.