Irish women's ongoing experiences of domestic abuse in cases of separation and divorce

Abstract

The issue of post separation abuse is a significant problem for women. This qualitative research examines Irish women s experiences of domestic abuse in cases of separation and divorce. Findings show that methods of abuse change upon separation and perpetrators can utilise institutions of the state to continue their abusive behaviour in a new forum and can continue long after marital dissolution is finalised. Such behaviour is legitimised by the state s non-action and enabled through women s previous experiences of institutional processes associated with separation and divorce which resulted in feelings fear and distress.