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Post Separation Violence & Abuse
... After they leave
90% of abusive partners continue their victimization after the relationship has ended
Post separation violence and abuse (PSA&V) is described as an ongoing willful pattern of intimidation, and violence against a former intimate partner.
PSV&A can include:
Threats and intimidation
Harassment
Financial abuse
Legal abuse
Economic abuse
Stalking
Physical violence
Endangerment of the children
(Spearman et al., 2023).
Worldwide, between 38 and 50% of murdered women are killed by an intimate partner
Separation is the most dangerous time for victims of IPV.
Women who separate from an abusive partner are 3 times more likely to be victims of homicide compared to women who do not leave.
Separation and previous abuse are predictive risk factors for intimate partner homicide.
(Campbell et al., 2003)
Children are used to continue indirect abuse
Domestic Shelters. (2016, September 16). 5 Myths about Child Custody and Domestic Violence. DomesticShelters.org
Children are frequently used to continue intimidation and harrassment after separation. The following behaviors are ways in which children can be used to manipulate and maintain coercive control:
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undermining the abused person
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disrupting the parent child relationship
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using children to spy on the mother
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making threats to kidnap or harm the children
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violating custody and visitation agreements
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making unfounded reports to Child Protection Services
(Hays, 2017)
Tactics used during PSV&A
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Violating protective orders
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Forcing unwanted contact
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Ignoring/violating court orders
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Posting negative comments on social media
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Withholding alimony or child support
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Filing frivolous lawsuits
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Using technology to monitor/harass
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Disparaging the abused person
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Making false reports of violence to the police
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Spreading rumors about the abused person's mental health
(Spearman et al., 2023)
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