Ex-Partner Abuse Risk Underestimated by UK Public, Refuge Data Shows
New data from the charity Refuge reveals a significant underestimation among the British public regarding the risk of abuse posed to women by ex-partners. According to helpline figures, 42% of callers identify a former partner as their abuser, underscoring how common it is for harm to persist after a relationship ends. However, a national survey indicates that many adults fail to recognize this threat, with only 12% naming an ex-partner as the most likely abuser in ongoing cases.
Survey Highlights Awareness Gap
YouGov data commissioned by Refuge found that while 71% of UK adults acknowledge that women are most likely to be abused by someone they know, within this group, 78% identify a current partner as the probable culprit, compared to just 12% for ex-partners. This disparity points to a critical lack of public understanding about the prevalence of post-separation abuse, which was criminalized under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and came into force in April 2023.
Personal Account of Post-Separation Abuse
Sasha, a pseudonym for a survivor, shared her experience of stalking and harassment since separating from her partner in 2012. Despite not living together, her ex-partner would show up unannounced, demand entry, and insist on seeing their son, particularly during holidays. The abuse escalated when he used metadata from photos she sent to geolocate her new address and tracked her to events like the Notting Hill carnival, weaponizing her cultural heritage to cause distress.
Sasha described a "breaking point" when her ex-partner made threats of suicide, laughing when she believed him. This case illustrates the coercive and controlling behavior that can continue long after a relationship ends, often involving children as tools for manipulation.
Charity Insights on Abuse Tactics
Charlotte Eastop, senior operations manager at Refuge, emphasized that a "huge proportion" of calls involve post-separation abuse, which is often dismissed by authorities. Abusers may weaponize children to maintain control, such as by demanding visits or alienating the victim through insults. Family courts can also be exploited, with abusers bending agreements to disrupt the victim's life.
Eastop noted that police and domestic abuse agencies sometimes mislabel victims as "historical survivors," failing to recognize ongoing threats. She called for more mandatory training and awareness for law enforcement and judiciary members to better respond to these cases, highlighting that separation is a high-risk period for escalation.
Legislative Context and Challenges
Coercive and controlling behavior became an offence in England and Wales in 2015, with post-separation abuse specifically criminalized in 2023. However, Eastop explained that legislation takes time to embed, and there is a need for improved understanding of the risks involved. The sense of hopelessness faced by victims, as abuse continues despite legal measures, underscores the urgency for systemic change.
Refuge's findings stress the importance of raising public awareness and enhancing professional responses to protect women from ex-partner abuse, ensuring that victims receive the support and recognition they need in these dangerous situations.
