Post-separation abuse refers to abusive behaviours perpetrated by an abuser that occur once the relationship has ended. In these situations the abuser may continue to pester, harass and cause further deliberate harm to maintain control of their former partner. Upon the breakdown of the relationship, the tactics used by an abuser can become increasingly insidious whereby they may alternate and manipulate their abusive tactics in an attempt to destroy their former partner upon separation. Post-separation abuse can be exhibited in many ways which typically form under coercive and controlling behaviours.
On the 5th April 2023, the Home Office published updated statutory guidance on the offence of controlling and coercive behaviour under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for England and Wales which amended the offence to include post-separation abuse so that controlling or coercive behaviour can now be prosecuted as a criminal offence even where the parties are no longer together and live apart.
Post-separation abuse tactics
Post-separation abuse encompasses a broad range of tactics perpetrated by abusers which can include psychological, emotional and economic/financial abuse. The use of tactics can often overlap and cannot be neatly compartmentalised, so it is important to understand the context in which these tactics are being used.
Weaponising children
For instance, in a situation where the victim-survivor has children with the abuser and has sought a family lawyer to assist with making child arrangements following separation, the abuser may utilise their children to coerce and control the other parent by, for example, neglecting their child’s needs in order to cause the other parent significant distress. Abusers may make false allegations and deliberately draw out Court proceedings which inevitably incurs further legal fees for the victim-survivor and can denigrate their character with the insidious aim to completely destroy the victim-survivor so they can maintain control post-separation.
Utilisation of the legal system
Court proceedings may provide an opportunity for the abuser to exercise their control over a former partner post-separation. For instance, abusers may attempt to manipulate the legal environment and utilise Court proceedings in the hope of harassing their ex-partners.
Psychological abuse
Psychological abuse can be seen through intimidation and harassment including stalking and gaslighting and threatening behaviours. These types of abusive behaviours are intended to cause the victim-survivor psychological distress and to feel entrapped within the relationship even though they are no longer together.
Economic abuse
One frequently hidden form of abuse that can be present in abusive relationships and is often exacerbated post-separation is economic abuse, also referred to as financial abuse. Economic abuse has a high prevalence particularly post-separation with 95-99% of victim-survivors experiencing economic abuse at the hands of their former partner. This type of abuse involves tactics intended to exploit a victim-survivor’s access to finances, assets and employment. Within the context of post-separation, this form of abuse can include hiding assets, failing to pay child maintenance, and victim-survivors being coerced to agree unfair financial settlements.
When someone leaves an abusive relationship it can be the catalyst for an escalation of further abuse so it is crucial to raise awareness and to protect those experiencing post-separation abuse.
Contact us
Our family lawyers are specialists in these types of cases and are always alert to the tactics perpetrated in abusive relationships both during and upon the relationship breakdown. We will provide you with advice as to what you can do when experiencing such abuse.
If you require further advice, click here to speak with a domestic abuse specialist.