Take the time you need, healing is a journey, step by step.
We understand domestic abuse doesn't always stop when you leave. We understand Post Separation Abuse. We are here for you.
Supporting Victim Survivors Through Post Separation Abuse
Who We Are
I'm Sarah Taylor, a survivor of domestic abuse, coercive control and post-separation abuse perpetrated through the UK family courts. After years of being in coercive and controlling relationships I finally found the strength to leave and educate myself on what had happened to me.
When I left I found myself in the thick of post separation
I'm Sarah Taylor, a survivor of domestic abuse, coercive control and post-separation abuse perpetrated through the UK family courts. After years of being in coercive and controlling relationships I finally found the strength to leave and educate myself on what had happened to me.
When I left I found myself in the thick of post separation abuse, lost, scared, emotionally and financially abused, and vulnerable. I survived it and eventually came out the other side, but I will never forget what it felt like, trying to navigate my way through what seemed an impossible, endless cycle. I was diagnosed with complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).
I made a decision, to commit my life to empowering other survivors as well as collaborating with organisations, while campaigning for change in the family courts and multi-agencies.
Healing is possible
I am now:
- A qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
- A Survivor Ambassador for CALAN DVS
- A member of SHERA Research Group
- Founder of PEEPSA
- A campaigner
- An educator in post separation abuse.
How can we help?
As a specialist post separation abuse service we are dedicated to validating survivors experiences of post separation abuse and we will do this by providing:
- Trauma informed online talks
- Referring to domestic abuse services
- Organise peer support groups
- Providing a virtual community where survivors can connect with others safely who are also going through post separation abuse.
At our core, we want survivors to know they are not alone.
#YouAreNotAlone #PostSeparationSupport #FamilyCourtSurvivors
Our Priorities
Our priorities are to ensure survivors are empowered, believed, validated and given the utmost respect that they deserve. We believe in showing kindness, compassion and empathy. We know they are experts of their own stories and this is fully recognised.
They must be given a confidential safe space where they can discuss their experiences
Our priorities are to ensure survivors are empowered, believed, validated and given the utmost respect that they deserve. We believe in showing kindness, compassion and empathy. We know they are experts of their own stories and this is fully recognised.
They must be given a confidential safe space where they can discuss their experiences of navigating post separation abuse free from judgement.
We also educate professionals, organisations, multi agencies and students on post separation abuse.
What We Offer For Survivors
- Group peer support for survivors so they understand they are not alone
- "Sanctuary Through Family Court" peer group for those who have recently been in or are going through family court.
- Signposting and/or offer referrals to local/national specialist domestic abuse services, and other helpful organisations.
- Individual drop in sessions online
- Group peer support for survivors so they understand they are not alone
- "Sanctuary Through Family Court" peer group for those who have recently been in or are going through family court.
- Signposting and/or offer referrals to local/national specialist domestic abuse services, and other helpful organisations.
- Individual drop in sessions online to check in.
- Advocacy for survivors in family court and meetings when capacity allows
- Monthly Pro bono drop in clinic with qualified specialist domestic abuse family law solicitor coming soon! Please check back for more details!
If you have any questions or would like to sign up to our peer support groups, please fill in "contact us" and we'll get back to you soon!
Discover Sanctuary Through Family Court
A peer group for mother victim/survivors of the family court. A safe space, surrounded by others who understand, free from judgement. A group where victims can feel safe, supported, validated and respected. A place where they will be heard and believed. A place of kindness and empathy.
We run monthly remote meet ups, where we have guest sp
A peer group for mother victim/survivors of the family court. A safe space, surrounded by others who understand, free from judgement. A group where victims can feel safe, supported, validated and respected. A place where they will be heard and believed. A place of kindness and empathy.
We run monthly remote meet ups, where we have guest speakers to engage with the group.
We have had the privilege of guests such as Lucy Hayton from Right to Equality (Founded by high profile family law barrister Charlotte Proudman and reader in Law and world renowned accademic researcher Adrienne Barnett), Natalie Page, family law specialist and paralegal of Eight Street LLP and The Court Said, Melanie Bridgen, high profile family law solicitor, partner at Nelsons Solicitors, who successfully represented former MP Kate Kniveton in family court.
This has created networks and connections to give survivors the best opportunity of help, support and protection.
For Professionals and Organisations
For Professionals and Organisations We Offer:
- PSA Workshops
- Public Speaking on PSA, Coercive Control and Domestic Abuse
- Training on PSA and Legislation
- PSA Awareness Raising
- PSA Lived Experience Talks
- Tailored Bespoke Packages
- Recorded training packages on PSA
For more information regarding any of our services , please fill in "contact us" stating your role and organisation with your message.
Meet Our Trauma-Informed Volunteers
Rachel Foster Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
Emma Davey – MBACP Trauma Informed Counsellor & Coercive Control / Domestic Abuse Recovery Specialist
Rachel Foster Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
My name is Rachel. I am a survivor of domestic abuse. I became an IDVA to give back to the services that helped me when I needed them most. Whilst being an IDVA I developed an interest in how the court system is failing victims of domestic abuse and wanted to look into why this is happening. Following my own bad experience within the cou
My name is Rachel. I am a survivor of domestic abuse. I became an IDVA to give back to the services that helped me when I needed them most. Whilst being an IDVA I developed an interest in how the court system is failing victims of domestic abuse and wanted to look into why this is happening. Following my own bad experience within the courts it’s become a passion of mine to support others going through this and look for change. I have supported hundreds of women and their children for years now and want to carry on. If there is one thing I learnt as a survivor of domestic abuse is that there is support out there and it’s only made me stronger. I am proud of myself and how far I have come.
Catherine Haworth Family Law Solicitor and IDVA
Emma Davey – MBACP Trauma Informed Counsellor & Coercive Control / Domestic Abuse Recovery Specialist
Rachel Foster Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
Catherine is a Domestic Abuse and Children Act Consultant Solicitor, advocate for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and owner and founder of Haworth Family Law.
Catherine is a "Top Recognised Pro Bono Lawyer of 2025"
Catherine provides the women in our peer support group with an excellent Pro Bono (Free) legal advice. This is g
Catherine is a Domestic Abuse and Children Act Consultant Solicitor, advocate for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and owner and founder of Haworth Family Law.
Catherine is a "Top Recognised Pro Bono Lawyer of 2025"
Catherine provides the women in our peer support group with an excellent Pro Bono (Free) legal advice. This is greatly appreciated and very much needed.
Thank you so much Catherine!
Emma Davey – MBACP Trauma Informed Counsellor & Coercive Control / Domestic Abuse Recovery Specialist
Emma Davey – MBACP Trauma Informed Counsellor & Coercive Control / Domestic Abuse Recovery Specialist
Emma Davey – MBACP Trauma Informed Counsellor & Coercive Control / Domestic Abuse Recovery Specialist
Emma Davey is a multi-award-winning MBACP Trauma-Informed Counsellor, Coercive Control / Domestic Abuse Recovery Specialist, Level 4 Brainspotting Practitioner, and ICF Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach. She also holds a Level 2 qualification in Domestic Abuse Awareness and is currently completing a Master’s degree in the Aetiology and Psycho
Emma Davey is a multi-award-winning MBACP Trauma-Informed Counsellor, Coercive Control / Domestic Abuse Recovery Specialist, Level 4 Brainspotting Practitioner, and ICF Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach. She also holds a Level 2 qualification in Domestic Abuse Awareness and is currently completing a Master’s degree in the Aetiology and Psychology of Coercive Control at the University of Salford.
Emma is the Founder and CEO of My Trauma Therapy Ltd and the creator of the MyNARA App (My Narcissistic Abuse Recovery App) — an innovative digital platform designed to support survivors of narcissistic and coercive abuse. The MyNARA App was born from Emma’s personal journey as a survivor who successfully prosecuted her ex-partner for 19 months of coercive and controlling behaviour under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.
Through her personal resilience and professional expertise, Emma has become one of the UK’s leading voices in the field of trauma recovery and coercive control. She has supported numerous survivors and contributed to several successful prosecutions through her work at My Trauma Therapy Ltd, where she helps clients rebuild their identity, confidence, and boundaries after abuse.
Emma is also in partnership with The Mental Wellbeing Company, delivering trauma-informed and positive psychology workshops across schools, workplaces, public sector organisations, and charities.
In addition to her clinical and educational work, Emma is the founder of the Victims of Narcissistic Abuse Support Group (MyNARA) — a thriving online community with more than 35,000 members and over 80,000 social media followers. Her advocacy and educational work have been featured widely across national news outlets and global media platforms.
As both a survivor and a specialist, Emma blends lived experience with advanced clinical training to empower others to heal from trauma, rediscover self-worth, and create lasting emotional freedom.
Our Ambassadors
Charlotte Budd
I’m a domestic abuse and family court survivor passionate about driving change and speaking out to raise awareness around the realities so many face in silence. My experiences have fuelled my mission to be a voice for others, to campaign for change, and to help those on their own healing journey feel seen and supported. As a holistic ther
I’m a domestic abuse and family court survivor passionate about driving change and speaking out to raise awareness around the realities so many face in silence. My experiences have fuelled my mission to be a voice for others, to campaign for change, and to help those on their own healing journey feel seen and supported. As a holistic therapist, I create safe, nurturing spaces where people can begin to rebuild, reconnect with themselves, and find peace after trauma.
Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno is the Director and Founder of SHERA. Lecturer and Researcher specialising in Health
Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno is the Director and Founder of SHERA and SHERA's Research and Development Lead.
Elizabeth has worked in public and private health and social care for over 20 years and specialises in challenging inequalities and systemic challenges in health and social care. Her work centres always around vulnerable and/or marginalise
Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno is the Director and Founder of SHERA and SHERA's Research and Development Lead.
Elizabeth has worked in public and private health and social care for over 20 years and specialises in challenging inequalities and systemic challenges in health and social care. Her work centres always around vulnerable and/or marginalised groups. She is a staunch advocate of co-designed, developed and conducted research, where research is undertaken by and with the people it concerns, rather than 'on' them.
She teaches Global Women's Health and Health System Challenges in Low and Middle-Income Countries, through a complex adaptive system (CAS) lens, on the Master's in Public Health at The University of Manchester (amongst other roles) and has special interests in adult social care, the health and trauma impacts and experiences of women and children who are victim-survivors of abuse, family court experiences and health impacts, gender-based violence, domestic abuse/violence, coercive control and post-separation abuse.
She provides training and consultation to schools, domestic abuse organisations, local authorities, health and social care services and other interested groups.
Her work with the SHERA group - in partnership with UCL, Brunel University, Durham University, CPI Voz Materna and The Survivor Family Network - on women and child victims health experiences of family court and the harmful pseudoscience of so-called 'parental alienation', has featured in a documentary 'Mums on the Run' on the BBC iplayer, BBC News, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Woman's Hour, Times Radio.
Her work also features in The Daily Mail and the Telegraph.
Her work has been presented globally, including to the French Secretary of State for Children and the 53rd United Nations Human Rights Council.
Her work also features within the United Nations Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences report to the Human Rights Council on: Custody, violence against women and violence against children.
She has worked on several National Institute of Health and Care Research projects.
She has led projects for the NHS to develop best practice in learning from adverse events / incidents and advises domestic abuse organisations, global sexual health organisations, NHS organisations and pilot studies such as IRISi ADViSE regarding gender-based violence and domestic abuse/violence.
She is currently advising on evaluating the Greater Manchester IRISi ADViSE pilot. The ADViSE (Assessing for Domestic Violence and Abuse in Sexual Health Environments) programme supports sexual health clinicians to identify and respond to women affected by domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and provides them with a simple referral pathway to specialist services.
She is leading several projects currently including: exploring the impact of Covid-19 on patients, families and professionals, exploring the impact of Covid-19 on informal carers and people living with dementia and exploring the mental health impact of family court proceedings on mothers exposed to perpetrator abusive behaviours / domestic abuse/violence in the UK and Brazil.
She is an ambassador to Right to Equality, a project team member at FiLiA Hague Mothers, a member of the Safe in Faith Committee and the National Board of Catholic Women VAWG Committee.
Articles by
Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno
November 24, 2024
Failed by the Family Court
Articles
Failed by the Family Court
Family Court failures
February 6, 2024
New paper: Health-related experiences of family court and domestic abuse in England: A looming public health crisis
Current Research
New paper: Health-related experiences of family court and domestic abuse in England: A looming public health crisis
Health-related experiences of family court and domestic abuse in England: A looming public health crisis
Our Patron Kate Kniveton
Our Patron Kate Kniveton
Kate Kniveton - survivor of domestic abuse and post separation abuse perpetrated through the UK family court.
We at PEEPSA are so proud to announce our first patron Kate kniveton.
Kate is a dedicated campaigner and former British MP, recognized for her unwavering commitment to reforming the family court system and protecting victims of dom
Kate Kniveton - survivor of domestic abuse and post separation abuse perpetrated through the UK family court.
We at PEEPSA are so proud to announce our first patron Kate kniveton.
Kate is a dedicated campaigner and former British MP, recognized for her unwavering commitment to reforming the family court system and protecting victims of domestic abuse. As a new patron, Kate continues to leverage her experience and personal journey to raise awareness about the systemic challenges faced by victims, particularly in navigating the complexities of family law.
In addition to her campaign work, Kate hosted the powerful documentary "Breaking the Silence," which aimed to shed light on the struggles faced by victims within the family court system. Through this platform, she has brought important attention to the need for reform and has given a voice to those often silenced by the system.
With over 30 years of experience in politics, logistics, and marketing, Kate has channeled her expertise into advocating for changes that prioritize the safety and rights of victims and children. Her personal story, marked by resilience and strength, serves as both a beacon of hope for survivors and a a crucial voice for all those who have been silenced.
In her role as a patron, Kate is poised to amplify her efforts in fighting for meaningful reform within the family court system. She is dedicated to ensuring that the voices of victims are heard, respected, and translated into tangible change. Through her campaigning, Kate inspires countless individuals to join the movement for justice, transparency, and equality in family law, making substantial strides toward a safer future for all.
Join Our Campaigns!
Allow mother victims of post separation abuse to discuss their family court experience
Open letter to parliament, social workers are not trained in domestic abuse
Open letter to Prime Minister and Government on Family Court Reform Action
Open letter to Prime Minister and Government on Family Court Reform Action
Calling for the resignation of Children Services and cafcass CEO's to resign
Open letter to Prime Minister and Government on Family Court Reform Action
Christmas Appeal at PEEPSA
Christmas Appeal at PEEPSA
Christmas Appeal at PEEPSA
This Christmas, we invite you to support the mothers and families at Peepsa who are working hard to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic abuse and living in poverty. Your generous donations will help us provide Christmas gifts and food, ensuring these families can celebrate the holiday season with joy and dignity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and bring smiles to those who need it most. Join us in spreading hope and happiness this festive season.