Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Domestic abuse definition

What does Domestic abuse mean? Domestic abuse means abusive conduct between partners or family members, relevant to criminal and civil proceedings. England and Wales: The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse where both people are aged 16+ and personally connected, and the behaviour is abusive. Abusive behaviour includes physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse (conduct with a substantial adverse effect on the person’s ability to acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or obtain goods or services), and psychological, emotional or other abuse. A single incident or a course of conduct can suffice. Abuse...

Domestic Abuse Act 2021: special measures, presumed vulnerability and participation in family, civil and criminal proceedings (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Family expert

Practice notes

Domestic abuse Act 2021 (DAA 2021)

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (DAA 2021) widens the availability of special measures directions in family proceedings, and in other forums, where an individual is a victim of, or faces a risk of, domestic abuse. These measures are intended to enable survivors to provide the highest quality evidence and to engage in proceedings without any continuation or reinforcement of the abuse they have suffered in any form. At the outset of a case, very early thought should be given to what practical support can be offered to a victim, what appropriate forms of relief might secure that support, and which special measures will help a potential victim feel sufficiently at ease to give the best evidence, thereby offering the greatest assistance to the court. See also Practice Note: The definition of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. DAA 2021, s 63, concerning special measures in family proceedings for victims of domestic abuse, took effect on 1 October 2021, under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No 2) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/1038, reg 2(d). The remaining provisions, addressing special measures in criminal or civil proceedings under DAA 2021, ss 62 and 64, are...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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