Post separation abase can take many different forms; –
Economic Abuse: This can involve withholding child support, hiding assets, or damaging the victim’s credit score. The abuser’s goal is to maintain control over the victim’s financial resources, thereby limiting their ability to move on and establish independence.
Legal and Administrative Abuse: Abusers may use the legal system as a tool for abuse by filing frivolous lawsuits, refusing to comply with court orders, or dragging out legal proceedings to deplete the victim’s resources and resolve.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse: This includes stalking, harassment, threats, and other behaviours designed to instil fear and maintain control. Abusers may engage in character assassinations, spreading rumours, and making false allegations to isolate the victim from their support network.
Using Children as Pawns: In some cases, abusers will attempt to manipulate children as a way to exert control over their former partner. This can involve turning the children against the other parent, using visitation as a bargaining chip, or even attempting to gain custody as a means of control.