Neither justice nor protection: Women’s experiences of post-separation violence

Abstract

Post-separation violence is an issue for a significant group of domestic violence survivors (and their children) leaving abusive relationships. This article draws on research conducted with women who have experienced post-separation violence. It explores definitions and the nature of post-separation violence experienced by women and often their children. More than three-quarters (76 per cent) of the 161 separated women in the study initially suffered further abuse and harassment from their former partners. Much of the violence ceased after the first 6–12 months, often due to the woman moving. However, more than one-third (36 per cent) of the women suffered continued post-separation violence...