The end of a relationship doesn’t always mean the end of an ex-partner’s abuse. In fact, post-separation can often be an especially difficult and dangerous time, as abusive partners may continue and even escalate their efforts to exert power through manipulation, intimidation, or harassment. If you are facing this situation, we have prepared a few strategies to support the safety and well-being of you and your children. 

Post-separation abuse presents unique and complex challenges, but by understanding the tactics used by abusive partners and taking decisive actions, you can regain control of your life. This journey requires strength, resilience, and a clear plan. By taking steps to protect your safety, your children’s safety, and your emotional well-being, you can create a path toward healing and reclaim the peace you deserve. Always remember, you are not alone—support is available, and you have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

If you or someone you know needs support, BWSS is here. You can create a safety plan or speak with an advocate confidentially by calling our crisis line at 1-855-687-1868. Together, we can explore your options and help you reclaim safety.

Recognizing these tactics is crucial for safety, healing, and seeking support. Below are some of the most common forms of post-separation abuse—and what you can do about them. 

Post-separation abuse is not just a continuation of harm—it’s a deliberate attempt to regain control. Recognizing the tactics is a powerful first step in protecting yourself and those you love. You are not alone, and help is available. At BWSS, we’re here to support you with advocacy, legal resources, counselling, and safety planning every step of the way.

If you or someone you know needs support, BWSS is here. You can create a safety plan or speak with an advocate confidentially by calling our crisis line at 1-855-687-1868. Together, we can explore your options and help you reclaim safety.

While this may not seem logical to others, survivors navigate complex situations that often involve considerations for their safety as well as the safety of others.

There are several additional barriers that can contribute to survivors returning to or staying in an abusive relationship. Here are 5 completely understandable reasons…

Navigating these barriers requires careful consideration and often involves difficult decisions about safety, security, and personal well-being. So, the next time you’re tempted to say, “Why doesn’t she just leave already?” consider the points we just discussed.

Just as survivors may have reasons for returning to their abusive partners, the partners who are abusive will exploit the same vulnerable areas that survivors experience as tactics for post-separation abuse.

If you or someone you know needs support, BWSS is here. You can create a safety plan or speak with an advocate confidentially by calling our crisis line at 1-855-687-1868. Together, we can explore your options and help you reclaim safety.

Abusive partners may also use different behaviours such as persuading to come back, threatening the access to your children, restricting your access to funds or threatening physical harm on themselves or your loved ones. 

The abusive partner is threatened by the separation and may experience it as a declaration by his partner that she is capable of surviving without him. Not only that but that she is the best judge of what is good for her, and especially that her needs shouldn’t always take the back seat to his. 

The abusive partner is likely very afraid that his partner may discover how good it feels to live without put downs and other abuse. She may start to think of her own thoughts without him and start believing in herself as an independent and strong. Importantly, she might discover how much better she is without him. 

Any survivor who’s made a step towards safety may feel guilty enough return to their abusive partner to avoid the possible negative outcomes.

If you or someone you know needs support, BWSS is here. You can create a safety plan or speak with an advocate confidentially by calling our crisis line at 1-855-687-1868. Together, we can explore your options and help you reclaim safety.

She walked away from the abuse. He didn’t stop. Walk in her shoes.

As Canada marks Violence Against Women Prevention Week (April 20–26), Fashion Revolution Week (April 22–27), and Mother Earth Day (April 22), BWSS launches Wear Justice, Build Safety—a campaign that exposes the deep ties between gender-based violence, the fashion industry, and environmental destruction.

In partnership with our social enterprise, My Sister’s Closet, this campaign uses fashion to make visible what’s often hidden: post-separation abuse. It’s happening in plain sight. It’s happening to someone in your neighbourhood.

The shoes featured in these posters belong to women who made the hardest decision of their lives—to leave an abusive partner. But leaving didn’t end the violence. It only changed its form.

He didn’t stop.

The harassment continued. The control deepened. The abuse followed her through courtrooms, parenting schedules, social media, and city streets.

This is post-separation abuse—one of the most dangerous and least recognized forms of gender-based violence. It is systemic. It is relentless. And it is far too common.

Just as the Earth is treated as expendable, so too are women’s lives treated as negotiable within legal and social systems that fail to protect them. On Mother Earth Day, we are reminded that the fight for women’s safety and environmental justice is one and the same. Both require us to value life, restore balance, and refuse violence in all its forms.

Every pair of shoes in this campaign tells a story. Every pair demands change.

She walked away. He didn’t stop.

Walk in her shoes. Wear justice. Build safety.

Fashion Revolution is a global non-profit advocating for a clean, safe, fair, transparent, and accountable fashion industry. With a Global Network of 80 country teams and counting, they mobilize citizens, brands, and policymakers through research, education, and advocacy.

Fashion Revolution Week is their annual campaign bringing together the world’s largest fashion activism movement to showcase activist projects worldwide, challenge how fashion is made and consumed, and inspire collective action.

BWSS and My Sister’s Closet (MSC) are taking part in Fashion Revolution Week to spotlight the deep connections between fashion, justice, safety and the environment. The fashion industry too often thrives on the exploitation of women and the planet, reflecting the same systems that enable gender-based violence.

As we also mark Violence Against Women Prevention Week, we’re reminded that prevention must include economic, environmental, and social justice.

Through BWSS current campaign, “Wear Justice, Build Safety”, we’re calling for a fashion future rooted in dignity, sustainability, and collective action.

Here are some tips by Fashion Revolution that we will be following for the week.