Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been the focus of increasing research, yet the relationship between women’s economic independence and IPV remains inconclusive, particularly during the immediate separation process. This study utilizes data from the German Family Panel (pairfam) spanning 2009-2022, focusing on women who experienced separation since their last interview (n=789 person-years). We use logistic regression models to examine the determinants of the risks of physical IPV during separation. Compared to other women, we find that mothers with minor children are at strongly elevated risk of physical IPV during separation (OR=1.89, p-value: 0.000) controlling for key sociodemographic characteristics. Additionally, low education and non-employment elevate the risk of physical IPV for both women with minor children as well other women, with non-employment posing a particularly high risk for lower-educated mothers. Given the heightened stress and conflict during separation, especially with minor children involved, this paper underscores the critical role of maternal labor market integration and economic independence in mitigating physical IPV during separation.