Make Post Separation abuse a specific offence

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

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.

Why it was rejected

The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.

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.

Timeline

11 Jan 2026	Petition opened for signatures
10 Feb 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 10 Feb 2026

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