PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Make Post Separation abuse a specific offence

As survivors we call for mandatory post-separation abuse training across all statutory bodies; extension of Claire’s Law after separation; PSA as a stand-alone offence; automatic restraining orders; extended survivor protection; and PSA education in all prevention and perpetrator programmes.

Last fetched 18 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk

Signatures

signatures

Government response threshold (10,000) · 21/10,000

Debate threshold (100,000) · 21/100,000

Petition progress2 events · Jan – Feb 2026

10 FEB 2026
Petition rejected
already-happening
Controlling or coercive behaviour is a crime in England and Wales under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act (2015). This law highlights that domestic abuse is often a purposeful pattern of behaviour. The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) for England and Wales extended this offence to include post-separation abuse. This changed the law so that controlling or coercive behaviour can now potentially be prosecuted as a criminal offence even if the parties are no longer in a relationship and are not living together.
11 JAN 2026
Petition created

Background

Post-separation abuse is one of the most overlooked forms of domestic abuse. For many survivors, leaving does not end the harm — it escalates. Perpetrators use child contact, the courts, finances and ongoing harassment to maintain control. Without recognition as a specific offence, this abuse is minimised and misunderstood. Naming post-separation abuse in law would validate survivors’ experiences, close dangerous gaps, and ensure accountability where it belongs.