Please help me defend my rights

An Instagram user posted a public campaign on their account that greatly offended me.

The campaign revived memories that I thought I had buried. His treatment of me was, in my opinion, essential context to the campaign so I reacted with Instagram posts, stories and comment.

My last post was early July 2018 and they were all on media that lasted only 24 hours.

However, in late August his lawyers threatened me with a variety of Court proceedings. Several days later we proposed that we settled a dispute by he and I stop talking about each other on social media.

The Instagram user has now filed court proceedings against me and some other women alleging they have breached the Harmful Digital Communications Act. Like the other women, I am defending the action as I deny breaching the Act.

The case concerns important issues relating to our right to freedom of expression on issues posted to public media.

The Instagram user is also seeking costs against me and has indicated other proceedings, such as defamation, may follow.

He seems to have significant resources to apply. I also feel that the use of legal proceedings is an attempt to curb my freedom of expression both of facts and genuinely held opinion. These are enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

The Court made extensive orders, without hearing from me, preventing almost all discussion of the case (with exception of this post) so I cannot provide further details at this stage.

I am a young woman with a fledging startup. I cannot afford to pay my lawyers. Funds raised will be used to cover my legal fees. Any excess funds (after payment of my lawyers) will be donated to Womens’ Refuge.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Love April xx