What is Post Separation Abuse? Understanding Abuse Control

What is Post Separation Abuse? Understanding Abuse Control

Bringing an abusive relationship to an end should be a way to escape control and regain independence, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. For some, the end of a relationship marks the beginning of a new form of torment known as ‘post-separation abuse’. If you are being subjected to violence, threats, or any form of abuse from your ex-partner, it is important to understand that you are not alone, and there are several steps you can take. In this article, we will look at what is meant by post-separation abuse, how it may manifest itself, and what you can do to protect your physical and mental well-being if you are subject to post-separation abuse.

What is Post Separation Abuse?

Post-separation abuse is a continuation of abusive behaviours by an ex-partner after a relationship has ended. It can take several forms, including physical and sexual violence, harassment and intimidation, and seeking to control the victim.

This type of abuse control can involve various ways of causing distress to an ex-partner through physical, legal, financial, and parental means. 

What is The Post Separation Abuse Wheel?

The Duluth post-separation abuse wheel is a model that is used to describe the various tactics abusers employ to maintain control over their victims. Similar to the power and control wheel used in domestic violence contexts, the post-separation abuse wheel highlights behaviours such as legal abuse, economic abuse, and coercive control. Recognising these tactics used by abusers can help victims and their support networks identify and address ongoing abuse more effectively.

Specifically, the model highlights that prior physical and sexual violence and coercive and controlling behaviour against a mother and her children during the relationship can lead to a variety of forms of post-separation abuse, including:

• Using physical and sexual violence against a mother and children

• Using harassment and intimidation

• Undermining a mother’s ability to parent

• Discrediting a mother

• Withholding financial support

• Endangering children

• Disregarding children, and

• Disrupting a mother’s relationship with her children

According to this model, the perpetrator’s overall aim is post-separation power and control, characterised by an unrelenting focus on the ex-partner.

Legal And Protective Measures Against Post Separation Abuse

In England and Wales, legislation has been introduced to deal with coercive and controlling behaviours, including those occurring after separation. Under the Serious Crime Act 2015, coercive control became a criminal offence, reflecting the considerable impact of such behaviours on victims. 

If you are a victim of post-separation abuse, please speak to a Family Law Solicitor about the legal tools available to protect you and your children. Legal measures include non-molestation orders, restraining orders, occupation orders, and prohibited steps orders.

Support and resources for victims

If you are experiencing any form of post-separation abuse, it is vital to seek both legal and emotional support. Legal advice from a family law Solicitor can help you navigate protective measures while counselling services can provide emotional support. Support is available from charities such as Mums in Need and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.