In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my personal journey through coercive control and post-separation abuse in this raw, vulnerable episode. I share how I met my former partner at just 17, failing to recognise the red flags of control because they mirrored dynamics that I witnessed in childhood. When I finally left the relationship when my son was 12 months old, what I thought would end the abuse actually marked the beginning of a new, equally devastating phase.

I recount how fear paralysed me when my ex threatened to take our son away if I didn't agree to equal shared parenting time ('50-50'). Despite our son's obvious distress at transitions and repeated pleas not to go to his father's house, I remained conflict-avoidant rather than protective for many years - a decision that is still my greatest regret. The family court system eventually protected my son, but only after years of inappropriate arrangements that caused significant harm.

I'm not sharing my story for sympathy, but to serve as both a warning and a guide for others. Protective instincts are usually correct, early intervention prevents years of harm, and knowledge can help you on the path to overcoming fear when making critical post-separation parenting decisions. 

My painful experiences ultimately led to the creation of the Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint, a comprehensive resource containing everything I wished I'd known during my own separation journey.

Whether you're contemplating separation, already navigating co-parenting challenges, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who's walked this difficult path. I'd love for you to join my mission of transforming how we approach post-separation parenting to truly prioritise children's wellbeing over adult needs, perceived entitlements and concepts of fairness.

About Danielle Black:

Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia, helping parents cut through professional pressure and harmful myths to make decisions based on what children actually need.

Having navigated her own complex separation and divorce, and guided hundreds of clients to successful outcomes, Danielle provides evidence-based strategies that challenge inappropriate arrangements and put children's wellbeing first.

The Post-Separation Abuse Podcast helps listeners to understand the nuances of ongoing control and other forms of abuse after separation, and challenges harmful myths about post-separation parenting and provides evidence-based guidance for protective parents.

Ready to transform your approach to parenting after separation?

Join The Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint™ waitlist for exclusive early access, early bird pricing, and instant free mini-guide and private podcast episode: danielleblackcoaching.com.au

Follow Danielle on Instagram: @danielleblackcoaching

MORE SUPPORT (within Australia):

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

*This podcast is provided for educatio...