Summary
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 creates a statutory definition of domestic abuse, establishes the office of Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and introduces new protections for victims including Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders, restrictions on cross-examination, and recognition of children as victims.
Key Points
- Statutory definition of domestic abuse covering physical, emotional, coercive/controlling, economic, and sexual abuse (s.1)
- Recognises children who see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse as victims (s.3)
- Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Orders (DAPOs) (Part 3)
- Prohibits perpetrators from cross-examining victims in family proceedings (s.65)
- Special measures in criminal proceedings extended to domestic abuse complainants
- Duty on local authorities in England to provide support in safe accommodation
- Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation made a specific offence (s.75A Serious Crime Act 2015)