Women and Separation: Managing New Horizons

By Relationships Australia

Separation and divorce can be among the toughest experiences you’ll ever have, and separation presents many challenges for women.

If you are a woman going through separation or divorce, Women and Separation: Managing New Horizons is a valuable resource.

Developed by Relationships Australia Victoria, this updated guide draws on decades of experience supporting women through separation and divorce. It will help you:

  • make sense of your feelings
  • navigate this challenging time with practical tips and strategies
  • connect with services and support that may help along the way.
This guide is designed to be read and revisited. As your circumstances and emotions change, you may find different sections become more relevant. Keep it close by and return to it whenever you need practical guidance or reassurance.

Separation and women’s experiences

Women describe a wide range of emotions during separation. Alongside sadness, anxiety and grief, many experience anger, uncertainty, financial stress, concern for their children, worries about legal processes or ongoing conflict, and sometimes relief that a difficult relationship has ended. These responses are all normal, and support is available as you navigate this transition.

Separation can feel overwhelming, but with time and the right support, many women find new strengths, rebuild their confidence and create fulfilling lives beyond separation.

“Separation provides the opportunity for personal growth, but you don’t have to go it alone.”
– F.L., aged 48, three years after separation

Women and Separation: Managing New Horizons will help you identify and navigate these difficult emotions and move towards a brighter future. Remember, help is always available if you need it.

Practical tools and resources for women going through separation

This eBook is full of helpful tools to help you get through separation, including:

  • understanding grief and the emotional impact of separation
  • looking after your physical and mental wellbeing
  • recognising stress, anxiety and depression, and knowing when to seek help
  • managing finances and returning to work
  • supporting children through separation
  • communicating with your co-parent where it’s safe and appropriate
  • recognising family violence, coercive control and other forms of abuse, with advice on staying safe
  • family dispute resolution, parenting arrangements, property settlements and legal processes
  • rebuilding your life and looking towards the future
  • research, statistics and support services for women experiencing separation.

What if I need further help? 

The guide also includes a comprehensive directory of support services, including:

To learn more or find support, call us on 1300 364 277.
 

Women and Separation: Managing New Horizons

This book is for you if you’re a woman who is going through a separation or divorce or supporting a woman who is going through a separation or divorce.
Looking for information for men? We also have a free Men and Separation guide, with practical information for men navigating relationship breakdown and the changes that can come with it. Read the Men and Separation guide.

Connect With Us

Join Our Newsletter

Receive the latest news and content.

Supporting Your Relationship Wellbeing

Discover the latest from our Knowledge Hub.

Why Weren’t We Taught How to Have Tough Conversations?

Article.Individuals.Conflict

Why Weren’t We Taught How to Have Tough Conversations?

Only one in three Australians say they were taught how to handle difficult conversations in relationships while growing up. So where do we learn the skills to navigate conflict, listen when we disagree and repair after things go wrong? We explore the relationship lessons we pick up along the way – and why it’s never too late to learn new ones.

Why We Wait Until Our Relationships Are in Trouble

Article.Individuals.Mental Health

Why We Wait Until Our Relationships Are in Trouble

Only 9% of people seek help when their relationship first starts to feel strained. So why do we tend to wait? We explore when a rough patch might need more attention, the barriers to seeking support, and why you don’t need to wait for a relationship crisis to get help.

How Your Relationships Affect Your Health

Article.Individuals.Mental Health

How Your Relationships Affect Your Health

Our relationships can affect more than how we feel – they’re closely connected to our physical health, too. We look at what decades of research tell us about social connection, loneliness and relationship stress, and why looking after our relationships can be another way of looking after our health.

Skip to content
Join Our Newsletter