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Refuge has raised concerns over a significant gap in public understanding of post-separation abuse, as new data reveals the scale of harm caused by former partners remains widely underestimated.
The warning comes as the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour post-separation, introduced under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and in force since April 2023, approaches its third anniversary. Despite the legislative change, Refuge reports that calls to its National Domestic Abuse Helpline continue to reflect high levels of abuse occurring after relationships have ended.
Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the charity highlights a disconnect in public perception. While 71% of UK adults recognise that women are most likely to be abused by someone they know, the majority identify a current partner as the most likely perpetrator. Only 12% consider an ex-partner to pose the greatest risk.
Helpline data suggests a markedly different reality. Of 19,674 callers in 2025 who were asked to identify their abuser, 42% named a former partner, compared with 47% who identified a current partner. Refuge warns that this disparity points to a lack of awareness around the risks posed after separation.
The charity reports that post-separation abuse frequently involves breaches of bail conditions, threats towards children or new partners, and the manipulation of child contact arrangements to exert ongoing control or avoid financial obligations. According to helpline advisers, such patterns can prolong trauma for survivors well beyond the end of a relationship.
Concerns have also been raised around the adequacy of current policy responses. While the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, Freedom from Violence and Abuse, includes a focus on pursuing perpetrators, Refuge argues it does not sufficiently address systemic understanding of post-separation abuse, particularly within institutions such as the family courts.
The charity is calling for mandatory training for police and the judiciary to improve recognition of post-separation abuse and ensure more effective responses within the justice system.
A survivor supported by Refuge described sustained harassment and stalking following separation from her former partner, including repeated breaches of police-imposed restrictions and the use of digital tracking to locate her after relocation. The abuse ultimately led her to move again with her child in order to secure their safety.
Gemma Sherrington said the findings demonstrate an urgent need to improve both public and professional understanding of the issue. She noted that post-separation abuse is particularly likely to go unrecognised, leaving survivors and their children at heightened risk.
Refuge has called for greater awareness and stronger institutional responses, emphasising that protection for survivors must extend beyond the point of separation if the objectives of recent legislative reforms are to be realised.
