LOOK INSIDE THE GUIDE
What this Guide covers
The Countermeasures In Detail
This table has been designed to help you quickly find the countermeasures relevant to the tactic you are facing. Moving from left to right, it takes you from the wider pattern of Legal Abuse you may be experiencing, through to the specific tactic and the actions that can be used to carry it out.
The countermeasures bring together approaches identified through research, professional guidance and the experiences of women who have faced these tactics, giving you options to consider in light of your own circumstances. They are separated into measures to consider before the tactic has been used and measures to consider after it has happened.
How to read the tactics & countermeasures table
The wider form of Legal Abuse
This column explains the broader objective behind the abuse and the different forms of control that sit within it. It helps you understand the context of the tactic you are experiencing.
Tactic category
Groups related tactics according to the form of economic control they are being used to achieve. This helps you see the pattern behind the behaviour.
Specific tactic
Identifies the particular tactic being examined. Different tactics may be used, but all serve the same underlying objective.
Pre-emptive countermeasures
These are actions you can take before the tactic has been used. They are proactive steps to reduce your vulnerability and limit the impact of the tactic.
Reactive countermeasures
These are actions you can take after the tactic has been used. They help you respond, recover and reduce further harm.
- 1
The wider form of Legal Abuse
This column explains the broader objective behind the abuse and the different forms of control that sit within it. It helps you understand the context of the tactic you are experiencing.
- 2
Tactic category
Groups related tactics according to the form of economic control they are being used to achieve. This helps you see the pattern behind the behaviour.
- 3
Specific tactic
Identifies the particular tactic being examined. Different tactics may be used, but all serve the same underlying objective.
- 4
Pre-emptive countermeasures
These are actions you can take before the tactic has been used. They are proactive steps to reduce your vulnerability and limit the impact of the tactic.
- 5
Reactive countermeasures
These are actions you can take after the tactic has been used. They help you respond, recover and reduce further harm.
Where the Guides Fit Into The Process
Harbour Lights brings together different types of information to help you understand the patterns of Post-Separation Abuse, identify the patterns that apply to you, explore the tactics and countermeasures associated with them, and find sources of support.
The five stages below show where each part of this information can be found across the website and Harbour Lights resources.
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Understand
Understand the patterns you may be encountering
Learn how different forms of Post-Separation Abuse can operate and how individual behaviours can form part of a wider pattern.
Website
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Identify
Identify the patterns that apply to you
Use Constellation to bring together the behaviours you are experiencing and see the patterns they may form.
Constellation
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Explore the tactics
Look more closely at the tactics you are facing
Explore the specific tactics associated with each form of abuse and the actions that can be used to carry them out.
Website + Guides
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Explore countermeasures
See what research and experience have identified
Explore approaches identified through research and lived experience.
Guides
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Find support
Find sources of support for you and your family
Explore organisations, services, programmes and other sources of support that may be relevant to what you need.
Directory