Eleanor* once owned an apartment in the United States, had a significant share portfolio and a very healthy savings account. She is now living paycheck to paycheck. The costs of a legal battle with her abusive former partner total more than a quarter of a million dollars. Eleanor* says her former partner has deliberately drawn out the court case in every way possible. It’s been three years since proceedings began. Beyond the financial burden, that’s three years spent trapped in the past, and being forced to recount the darkest time of her life as evidence. We’ve passed the halfway mark in There’s No Place Like Home and in this episode we explore systems abuse. With Eleanor*’s help, Future Women does a deep dive into how perpetrators manipulate the very laws designed to protect victims. Often, when a person leaves an abusive relationship, it doesn’t mark the end of that relationship’s story. Instead it is the beginning of a new chapter. One which can have a protracted and painful emotional and financial impact. In this episode of There’s No Place Like Home, you’ll hear from experts, advocates and practitioners - as well as Eleanor* herself. Together we’ll explore some of the possible solutions including specialist domestic and family violence courts. The early research on which is very positive. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or Google Play Visit the official website Keep up with @Futurewomen on Instagram and Twitter and stay in touch with hashtag #TNPLH More information on Commbank’s Next Chapter Join Future Women Content note: This podcast includes descriptions of domestic and family violence and may be upsetting to some listeners. If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault, you can call the national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, or if you are not feeling safe, always call the police on 000. There’s No Place Like Home is a podcast by Future Women, made in collaboration with CommBank which is supporting long-term financial independence for victim-survivors through CommBank Next Chapter. *We have used a pseudonym to protect Eleanor*’s identity. Support the show: https://futurewomen.com/theresnoplacelikehome/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.