Divorcing an Abusive Husband Cost Woman Over £105,000
A woman from Somerset, Annabelle Boucher, has shared her story of enduring years of abusive controlling behavior by her ex-husband, David Rogers, which ultimately cost her more than £105,000 in divorce settlements and legal costs.
Coercive Control and Divorce Law
Boucher, 48, wants to see changes in the law to ensure family courts consider coercive control when reaching divorce settlements. Despite Rogers admitting to coercive and controlling behavior, she was forced to pay him a lump sum of £75,000. She also incurred over £30,000 in her own legal fees.
"I thought being stuck in this relationship I couldn't get out of would be highlighted within the divorce procedure," Boucher said. "But the divorce law doesn't take into account the fact that he was a criminal."
The Impact and Need for Reform
Boucher described how Rogers' behavior escalated after their marriage, leading her to "shut down emotionally" and isolate herself. She believes the current legal framework offers no real consideration for victims of coercive control during divorce proceedings, adding:
"I just think it's even further punishment for the victim."
Support and Advocacy
Olive Craig, senior legal officer at Rights of Women, a charity advocating for women's legal rights and safety, agrees that family court judges often struggle to recognize and consider coercive control. She emphasized the need for divorce courts to pass a high threshold before acknowledging physical violence and other forms of abuse.