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Domestic Violence Law ..

Victims have protection!

Women suffering domestic abuse or violence, forced marriage or genital mutilation have protection under United Kingdom law.


"Don't suffer in silence - get in touch today"

If you're in crisis and need help, call the police on 999

You can also contact the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline

Call them on 0808 2000 247 or visit their website - click on the button.

What does domestic violence actually mean?

Remember: If you are in immediate danger you should call 999


For 24hr help please contact the Refuge Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247

A cross government definition of domestic abuse:


‘Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.'


The definition of domestic abuse mandates both the parties to be '16 years old or over' and be 'personally connected to each other', and may or may not be living in the same household.


For the purpose of safeguarding the interests of child victims of abuse, the age threshold has been put as 18 years or below. The Amendments to the Domestic Abuse Legislation 2021 received the Royal Accent on the 29th April 2021.


In the amended Domestic Abuse Act 2021, 'personally connected’ is defined as those who are:


  1. Connected through marriage to each other
  2. Civil Partners to each other
  3. In Agreement to marry each other (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
  4. In Civil Partnership Agreement with each other (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
  5. In an intimate personal relationship with each other or have been biological parents to the same child 
  6. Are relatives, family members such as mother, father, son, daughter, , brother, sister and grandparents, in - laws or a stepfamily and uncles, aunts, cousins of extended family are also included

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Please Note: This document may be updated from time to time - check back here occasionally for the latest version!

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Domestic Violence Fact Sheet

What are the types of domestic abuse?

Domestic Abuse covers a range of abuse involved through any of the following acts, such as:


  1. Physical or sexual abuse
  2. Violent or threatening behaviour
  3. Controlling or coercive behaviour
  4. Economic abuse
  5. Psychological, emotional or other abuse


The definition also covers the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), 'Honour' based violence and forced marriage as well as stalking and harassment.


What is the Controlling and Coercive Behaviour (CCB) as per the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021?


Controlling Behaviour includes:

Making a person subordinate and/or dependant by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. 


Coercive behaviour includes:

  1. An act or a pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation 
  2. other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim


What does Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) mean?


The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 criminalises the practice and now it also is covered under the new domestic Abuse Act 2021. 


What is 'Honour' based Violence and Forced Marriage under Domestic Abuse 2021?


The term 'Honour' based Violence covers all the practices used to control behaviour within families, communities and social groups to protect and defend their cultural and religious beliefs of “honour”. The perpetrator of this crime could be anyone from the victims` family or community and/or social group.


What is covered under Stalking and Harassment as per Domestic Abuse 2021?


The offence of stalking and harassment is not only pertinent in a domestic setting but also may involve an acquaintance or a stranger. The offence of stalking targets psychology of the victim.

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