Home-Start Bedfordshire

28/10/2026

Everyone has the right to leave a relationship freely and safely. Behaviours such as persistent unwanted contact, harassment, and digital or physical monitoring of a former partner are tactics of coercive control we often see in post-separation abuse. Too often, society mislabels it as ‘refusing to let go’, ‘fighting for love’, ‘messy breakups’. Yet, sharing real voices helps dismantle misconceptions and stigma.

We need more awareness of post-separation abuse. Click here to understand post-separation abuse through the experiences of local survivors: https://bit.ly/4isXQrE

27/10/2026

We’ve enjoyed running Helping Hands at Laburnum Primary School in Sandy. In small groups, children learn how to stay safe, understand and manage their feelings, and build self-esteem and confidence. Our thanks to the donors who have sponsored the materials and the volunteers who have helped deliver the course.

23/10/2026

For too many survivors, the end of the relationship isn't the end of domestic abuse. Post-separation, we see abusers continuing to monitor and exercise control over survivors, restricting their independence.

This can include stalking and technology-enabled surveillance. For example, abusers can use location-tracking tags, install spyware, access emails and smart home cameras. They can also cause disruption, flooding ex-partners with calls, changing passwords, and creating fake social media accounts.

We need more awareness of post-separation abuse. Click here to understand post-separation abuse through the experiences of local survivors: https://bit.ly/4jHLhJv

22/10/2026

Yesterday, Clare was running our stall at the SNAP Parent Carer Forum’s SEND Roadshow. Having so many SEND support services for children, young people, and families together in one room is such a wonderful idea. It was lovely to see Ann from SNAP and connect with other great services like The Vision & Hearing Impairment Services. Thank you for having us!

21/10/2026

We are so grateful to be part of the Woburn Luxury Gift Fair. Recently, Linda met with Camilla, Victoria, and Amy at Woburn Safari Park to discuss the upcoming event. The fair will be raising funds in aid of both Home-Start Bedfordshire and Schoolreaders. We will be there too, chatting with visitors about our charity and what our volunteers do for the community.

20/10/2026

Pop culture too often frames relentless pursuit as romantic. In reality, there’s a fine line, and it ends with refusing to accept boundaries. This includes when a relationship ends. Everyone should have the right to walk away without feeling manipulated, undermined, monitored, or scared. These can be signs of post-separation abuse. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4jHLhJv

15/10/2026

Clare spent a lovely morning at St Andrews Church in Biggleswade. They were so welcoming and presented us with a cheque for the fantastic amount raised at their recent Country Fayre in aid of Home-Start Bedfordshire and Cruse Bereavement Support.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who organised, volunteered, and attended the fayre for making this possible.

https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/people/biggleswade-church-raises-ps5k-for-bereavement-and-family-charities-9288004

15/10/2026

“Because it is such an unknown area, it is hard for me to find support or for friends and family to help.”

Over the years, we’ve seen awareness of domestic abuse begin to grow. Yet, post-separation abuse is a gap in society’s understanding that urgently needs to be filled. Ending the relationship doesn't always end the abuse; it can escalate.

Click here to understand post-separation abuse through the experiences of local survivors: https://bit.ly/4jHLhJv

14/10/2026

“𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲?”

It's a common thought, but the reality is that leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly challenging and dangerous. Abusers work to maintain their control. Even when the relationship ends, abusers often adapt, finding new ways to exert control from a distance.

Raising awareness is important, shifting the focus from victims to holding perpetrators accountable for refusing to stop. Uncover the truth behind the biggest misconception about leaving abuse: https://bit.ly/4jHLhJv

13/10/2026

“…he believes he is entitled to exact revenge on me as his ex. That sense of entitlement hasn't gone away.” - A Bedfordshire Survivor.

𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲.

Domestic abusers feel entitled to control their partner and demand compliance. This entitlement doesn’t always end when the relationship does. Too often, they use post-separation abuse to try to maintain control over their now ex-partner. This gap in our society’s understanding urgently needs to be filled.

Help us spread the word, and click here to understand post-separation abuse through the experiences of local survivors: https://bit.ly/4isXQrE

Leaving isn't always the end of domestic abuse. For many, it is the start of post-separation abuse. Learn to spot the signs and more here.