'Common, calculated and keeps families trapped': Charity Home-Start Bedfordshire exposes reality of post-separation abuse

The charity, based in Leighton Buzzard, has unveiled its new campaign 'Out of Control?'.

The platform is designed to expose "one of the most pervasive and dangerous misconceptions" surrounding domestic abuse: the belief that leaving an abusive partner will end the troubles.

Linda Johnson, chief executive for Home-Start Bedfordshire, said: "Over the years, we’ve seen public awareness of domestic abuse grow. What was once hidden behind closed doors is finally being exposed for what it is: a deeply damaging, society-wide problem.

"However, the public narrative around domestic abuse often stops at the point of leaving; people assume that once a survivor walks out the door, the abuse is over.

"Our campaign exists to shatter that misconception."

‘Out of Control?’ explains that post-separation abuse is a pattern of controlling, intimidating, and harassing behaviour – where an abusive former partner continues to "inflict harm and exert power" after the relationship has ended.

Home-Start Bedfordshire stated: "For many survivors, separation from their abuser does not mean freedom. Instead, perpetrators frequently pivot to new tactics to exert power and control. This can include stalking, blackmail, threatening to harm pets, and much more.

"Ultimately, their aim is to continue exercising control by creating barriers that restrict survivors’ independence or cause a state of fear which limits their ability to move forward."

In a bid to spread awareness, the campaign uses real insights from survivors experiencing post-separation abuse.

Linda concluded: "Post-separation abuse is common; it is calculated, and it keeps families trapped in abuse.

"We want the community to understand that safety planning is important, and that there is support available.”

Click here for more information about the campaign and the safety plan.