Make post separation abuse a stand-alone offence

Background

Abuse usually escalates post separation and can be relentless for months and years. We must hold abusers to account and prevent further abuse at the most dangerous time for those having escaped abusers. Our current system doesn't.

Additional details

Escaping an abuser is proven to be the most dangerous time for any victim/survivor. It is well evidenced and recognised that abuse escalates in severity post separation and along with that the risks to the victim/survivor and their families is vast. Separation is a key indicator in femicide with 2 women a week murdered in the UK by a current or ex-partner. Convictions for abuse post separation would validate and better protect victims who remain largely unheard or feel there is no escape