For Janice Goveas, her biggest challenge is having to shield her 10-year-old son from all the “noise”. Her son, who is autistic, hasn’t seen his father in four years. And while that hardly affects both of them, subtle reminders about the lack of a parent at school, can be upsetting. “I have not changed his name, but each time the school sends across a form, they demand signatures of both parents, even though I have told them about my situation,” says the media professional. “I don’t want my child to experience trauma every time he has to fill up a form.”

Goveas’ concerns are valid. It’s hard enough for a child to witness their parents go through a divorce, but to be reminded of it every day is worse, she thinks.