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.
This book was developed by Relationships Australia given our extensive experience in working with women. It was written to:
- help you make sense of your feelings
- provide options that may be useful
- raise your awareness of some services that may help.
This is a booklet that should be read and revisted. Each time you go back, consider how your feelings might have changed since the last read. It should help you get through separation and build the confidence to know that life will get better.
Separation and women’s experiences
Women report a range of intense feelings at various stages of separation, including sadness, anxiety, regret, bitterness, worry and fear. These responses, many of which are painful and distressing, are perfectly normal.
The good news is that most women face these intense feelings and go on to live fulfilling and happy lives, but it will take time.
“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:
- Separation and grief – who initiated the separation, mixed messages and blame and guilt can all impact you while going through a separation.
- Looking after yourself – strategies that have helped other women to maintain their health and wellbeing.
- Your financial situation – advice on looking after your finances throughout a separation, including child support, financial counselling and how to return to the workforce, if you’ve taken a break from work.
- Children and separation – tips to help you put parenting and living arrangements in place, and emotionally support your children during a separation.
- Relating to your former partner – guidance for establishing an amicable relationship with your former partner, if it’s safe and appropriate to do so, and ways to keep you and your family safe if you’ve experienced violence and abuse.
- Making formal arrangements – advice to help you navigate the legal requirements of separation, including family dispute resolution, property settlements, parenting agreements, and child support payments, and when and how to seek legal advice.
- The future – reassurance to help you move forward.
- Research about women and separation – facts and statistics that explain the impact separation and divorce has on women.
What if I need further help?
Women and Separation: Managing New Horizons will link you to the right services for extra support. These include national and local services, such as:
- counselling and mental health support services
- legal and government contacts
- general advice resources
- emergency contacts.
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