As of 29th April 2024 there have been some changes in the way Family Court deals with Child Arrangement applications – these are called the Family Procedure Rules. The purpose of these changes is to encourage divorce professionals and families to try other methods of resolving their disputes about family Read more…
I’m writing this post because what happens immediately after an incident of domestic abuse can determine how the next few days go and also how difficult or easy it is to get the ongoing help you need- in terms of help with housing, criminal and civil measures and also help Read more…
Financial abuse is one of the most common tactics used within a controlling relationship. If you have no financial independence or access to your own money, it’s harder for you to leave, right? You often don’t even realise that you are being financially abused either. It can be very subtle. Read more…
Background Helen contacted me when feeling overwhelmed after years of litigation with her ex-husband. With a demanding job and 2 young children to support, it was a lot to deal with and she was exhausted. Helen was facing court hearings and constant emotional abuse and manipulation by her ex. This Read more…
There is a hole in my sidewalk, by Portia Nelson. “I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost… I am helpless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. I walk down the same street. Read more…
Recognising abuse in any relationship can be difficult because often the tactics are so subtle. As well as the generic types of tactics abusers use (constant criticism, belittling, financial abuse, conflict over the children etc ) there are often tactics used within LGBTQ relationships, which are very specific. Tactics you Read more…
Letting your ‘soon to be ex’ know that you want to separate is daunting at the best of times, but when you need to tell a partner who is controlling/abusive, it can be very scary. However, you don’t really have an option if you want to move on – they Read more…
Images of happy holidays and fun, family times in the media can reinforce that sense of loneliness you might feel in the lead up to Christmas. I understand the heart ache that comes with not being able to see your children at special times of the year, I’ve been in Read more…
Recognising the subtle signs of controlling and abusive behaviour can be confusing and difficult to spot so here are some clues: You constantly worry about your partner’s reaction to things you do or say You feel like you can’t do anything right, your partner constantly criticises you You question yourself Read more…
I am proud to be an Ambassador for this great intiative! Brave Bird pants were initially developed by the very lovely Sarah : “One of my best friends was in an abusive relationship. She’d been trapped in it for over 7 years and was barred by her partner from contacting Read more…