Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (2021)

• engage in a course (at least two occasions) of abusive behavior

  • IF a reasonable person would consider course of behavior as likely to cause harm

  • AND/OR the accused party intended to cause harm or was reckless as to whether harm would be caused

• harm does not need to have been caused — intent matters

Violent or threatening behavior (including sexual violence) that is directed at…

• The victim

• Their child

• Another person that may have “certain effects” on the victim

• Certain effects include Coercive Control: 

  • Isolating victim from social interaction or support

  • Controlling, regulating or monitoring daily activities

  • Restricting/denying freedom of action

  • Making them feel frightened, humiliated, degraded, punished, or intimidated

• Time Served: maximum penalty is up to 12 months imprisonment in Magistrates Court and 14 Years in Crown Court

• Fines: Up to £5,000 at a magistrate’s court and an unlimited fine at Crown Court 

Criminal Charges can be aggravated (viewed as more severe) under the following circumstances:

• Abusive Behavior involving a child (under 18)

• Child being used to facilitate abusive behavior, knowingly or not

• Where a child saw, heard, or was present during a single incident of domestic violence

• A reasonable person would consider behavior as harmful to a child 

• Any other criminal offence can be aggravated when involving domestic abuse

• call 101 in non-emergency situations

• call 999 in emergency situations

• visit local police station