Do you think the abuse ends with the relationship?
Our Domestic abuse and First Response service manager Natalie busts the myth.
You may think that once a woman has left an abusive relationship that the abuse ends. That she is safe to rebuild her life without fear, free from the harmful influence of her abuser.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. According to charity KaleidoscopicUK, 90% of those escaping an abusive relationship are abused after separation. This is referred to as post separation abuse.
A real risk
Leaving an abusive relationship can be a particularly dangerous time and the risk of harm to a woman, and her children, is greatly increased. The news is filled with instances of women being killed by ex-partners. KaleidoscopicUK report that on average two women a week are murdered by a current or ex-partner in England and Wales.
And it isn’t just immediate or physical danger. Post-separation abuse can take many forms as the abuser tries to maintain control, and make the victim/survivor feel that it would be easier and safer just to return to the relationship.
What does post separation abuse look like?
Post separation abuse can include stalking and harassment, cyber abuse, economic abuse including withholding child support, running up debts, controlling bills and joint accounts. Abuse can also take place through the courts - by controlling or delaying divorce proceedings, accusations of parental alienation, court orders, child custody arrangements and inconsistency with contact arrangements. Abusers can also undermine women as parents, questioning their mental health and convincing friends and family that the abuse is in the right.
Is there any legal protection?
There is some legal protection through The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) for England and Wales. Since 5 April 2023, when a specific section of the act came into force, controlling and coercive that takes place after separation is now criminalised. According to Surviving Economic Abuse, “Post-separation domestic abuse that took place before 5 April 2023 cannot be prosecuted under this law. However, any charges for controlling or coercive behaviour can consider previous behaviour as evidence of a person’s character.”
It may take time for training and awareness to be rolled out to police, courts and other relevant organisations.
Raising awareness
This week has been Post Separation Abuse Awareness week, run by KaleidoscopicUK. They’ve produced a video outlining the risk and types of abuse. It isn’t an easy watch, but we urge you to take a few minutes to understand what to watch out for and what women ‘leaving’ an abusive environment may have to cope with for months or even years after the relationship ends.
You can follow news from the week on social media using #PSAAW