Surviving Post-Separation Abuse: Supporting Survivors After Escaping Domestic Violence

Sybil Cummin delivers a compelling, practical analysis of post-separation abuse that directly addresses one of the most dangerous and under-prepared phases of intimate partner violence. Leveraging her dual expertise in play therapy and family court advocacy, Cummin clearly articulates how abusive partners weaponize children, manipulate financial systems, and use subtle "dog whistle" harassment that often evades law enforcement scrutiny. A key insight of the presentation is her focus on autonomy-centered advocacy, arguing that withholding information about post-separation risks out of fear survivors won't leave actually replicates abusive dynamics, whereas providing timely education empowers survivors to safely plan their next steps. By exposing how systemic loopholes in family court enable ongoing trauma, Cummin equips advocates, clinicians, and survivors with the language and documentation strategies necessary to navigate coercive control long after a physical separation occurs.