About Domestic Abuse

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 now provides a clear, statutory definition of domestic abuse for the first time in the UK.

Domestic violence or domestic abuse is a gendered issue but it can happen to anyone.

Our message to all domestic abuse victim-survivors is the same: it’s not your fault, you’re not alone, and help is available.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999

Behaviour of a person towards another person where they are each aged 16 or over and personally connected to each other and the behaviour is abusive.

Abuse may include:

It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

People who are, or have been, married to each other
People who are, or have been, civil partners of each other
People who have agreed to marry (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
People who entered a civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
People who are/have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
People who each have/had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child
Family members, people who are relatives