The Domestic Abuse Act was signed into law as of the 29th April 2021. This incredible piece of legislation begun its journey in 2019, surviving a General Election, Brexit, and a global pandemic. The bill aims to create a step-change in protections to those who experience domestic abuse and strengthens measures to tackle perpetrators.
The bill sets out a wide-ranging definition of domestic abuse beyond physical violence to encompass emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour and economic abuse.
Jo Todd CEO, Respect said:
“Domestic abuse is not acceptable or inevitable. A comprehensive strategy – spanning early responses, community interventions, quality assured behaviour change programmes and risk management systems, that centre the needs of survivors – will help survivors and their families to find freedom and reduce the numbers of new victims, including children.”
Read the full statement here.