Women and Separation

For some women practical matters and economical planning were taken care of by their former partners. But don’t despair, learning to do these things yourself can help you feel more independent and confident about the future. Many women report discovering positive aspects of themselves that they never knew existed.

After separation has occurred there is often a need to reconnect with a new close relationship and to feel wanted and cared for once more. It is important to be open to developing a new relationship but to take it slowly. Give yourself time to grieve the loss of your original relationship and take time to re-establish your own identity.

Some women join interest groups and enjoy companionship but remain unattached. Some establish a committed relationship that includes children from other relationships. 

Violence and abuse

Separation can be an argumentative and volatile process. Some partners might respond to the stress by being violent, but abuse is never an acceptable response. Remember, if you experience violence or abuse by your former partner your safety and the safety of your children must come first.

Try to:

• keep contact to a minimum 
• limit face-to-face communication 
• meet in a public place 
• be accompanied by a friend 
• avoid retaliation 
• keep a record of abusive incidents, including stalking 
• call the police 
• seek legal advice about other options

Relationships Australia offer a number of support services for victims of domestic abuse.

Family Abuse Integration Response (FAIR) is staffed by experienced counsellors with qualifications in psychology, social work and/or counselling. The counsellors offer group programs to men, women and children to help where there has been abuse in their families or relationships. 

Djinda Service is a program that provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have been affected by family violence and/or sexual assault.