On 29 April 2021 the Domestic Abuse Bill passed both Houses of Parliament and was signed into law. There will now be a wide-ranging legal definition of domestic abuse which incorporates a range of abuses beyond physical abuse, including emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour and economic abuse.
The measures include new protections and support for victims ensuring that perpetrators of domestic abuse will no longer be allowed to cross-examine the victims in the family and civil courts, and giving victims access to special measures in the courtroom, such as giving evidence via video link and using protective screens.
The government has also added new measures to the bill to further strengthen the law on domestic abuse, including creating a new offence of non-fatal strangulation, extending an offence to cover the threat to disclose intimate images and clarifying the law on claims of ‘rough sex gone wrong’ in cases involving serious injury or death.
Courts will be able to order Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to help prevent offending by forcing perpetrators to take steps to change their behaviour, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation and seeking mental health support.
Police will also be given new powers including Domestic Abuse Protection Notices providing victims with immediate protection from abusers.
As a firm, we are very proud to provide regular support on a weekly basis to our local domestic abuse charity DAVSS, as a way of making a positive difference on behalf of our local community.
Please do contact either Gemma Gillespie or Melissa Gire of our Family department if you require any further advice on this matter or any other family issue, on 01892 515022
This blog is not intended as legal advice that can be relied upon and CooperBurnett does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.
