Post Separation Abuse and Children

Separating from an abuser is typically a time of increased abuse for a target. Statistics and anecdotal evidence bear witness to this. But often, what escapes attention is that abuse increases toward the children involved as well.

The Post-Separation Abuse Wheel offers a comprehensive look at the behaviors that abusers commonly employ to extend their power and control over their targets and children, sometimes long after separation occurs. When we don't see it, or believe that it happens, we enable it, unwittingly or not.

It's critical that we recognize these behaviors for what they are - dangerous to both adults and children. Children have even less power than adults to counter such tactics. They depend on us and need our help.

It's imperative that support systems, both natural supports and community supports, come to their aid and help keep targets and their children safe after they leave the relationship.

In Indiana, there are numerous supportive services that exist to help during the crisis that happens when a target is escaping the relationship. The place where we inevitably fail children and their protective parent is in understanding and recognizing post-separation abuse. Do some survivors and their co-survivors (their children) receive help for this type of abuse through local agencies and our legal system? Yes, thankfully, some do. But far too many do not.

Knowing about post-separation abuse and being prepared to see the signs are crucial to child safety during separation and after divorce.

For those who are in positions to provide safety and protection, We wonder...

Do you know the signs of post-separation abuse? If not, we have provided that opportunity for you right here..