🌟 Understanding the Domestic Abuse Act 2021

💬 What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is when someone you’re close to — like a partner, ex-partner, or family member — hurts, controls, or frightens you. It’s not just about physical violence. Abuse can be emotional, financial, sexual, or controlling behaviour that makes you feel unsafe or powerless.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 gives us a clear legal definition. It says abuse is: > “Any incident or pattern of behaviour between people who are personally connected that is abusive.”

This includes:

• Physical or sexual abuse

• Violent or threatening behaviour

• Controlling or coercive behaviour

• Economic abuse

• Emotional or psychological abuse

👥 Who Is “Personally Connected”?

You are personally connected if you and the other person:

• Are (or were) married or in a relationship

• Live (or used to live) together

• Are family members

• Have a child together

Children who see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse are now legally recognised as victims in their own right.

🔍 Types of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can take many forms. Here are the most common:

1. Physical Abuse

Hitting, slapping, pushing, strangling, or using weapons.

2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Name-calling, gaslighting, threats, isolation, or making you feel worthless.

3. Sexual Abuse

Being forced or pressured into sexual acts without consent.

4. Controlling Behaviour

Stopping you from seeing friends or family, monitoring your phone, or deciding what you wear or eat.

5. Coercive Behaviour

Using threats, intimidation, or humiliation to control you — like threatening to take your children or harm themselves if you leave.

6. Financial (Economic) Abuse

Taking your money, stopping you from working, or controlling your bank account.

🔒 What Is Controlling and Coercive Behaviour?

This is when someone uses power and fear to control your everyday life. It’s not always obvious — it can be slow and subtle.

Examples:

• Telling you where you can go or who you can see

• Repeatedly putting you down

• Controlling your medication or access to healthcare

• Threatening to “ruin your life” if you leave

This behaviour is a criminal offence under the Act.

💰 What Is Financial Abuse?

Financial abuse (also called economic abuse) is when someone:

• Takes your wages or benefits

• Builds up debt in your name

• Stops you from working or studying

• Controls how you spend money

It’s about limiting your independence and making you rely on them.

🆕 What’s New in the Law?

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 brought in major changes to protect survivors:

• ✅ Legal definition of domestic abuse (including emotional and economic abuse)

• ✅ Children recognised as victims if they see or hear abuse

• ✅ Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) to stop abusers quickly

• ✅ Ban on abusers cross-examining victims in family and civil courts

• ✅ New criminal offences, including:

  • Non-fatal strangulation

  • Threats to share intimate images

• ✅ Secure housing rights for survivors

• ✅ No charges for medical evidence of abuse

• ✅ National Domestic Abuse Commissioner to hold services accountable

📢 Need Help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Support is available.

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247

• Women’s Aid: womensaid.org.uk

• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

• Galop (LGBTQ+ support): 0800 999 5428

💜 Refuge

24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 🌐 refuge.org.uk 📧 supportercare@refuge.org.uk 📞 General Enquiries: 020 7395 7700 Specialist services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, including emergency accommodation, legal advocacy, and tech abuse support. Website includes a quick exit button for safety.

🏠 Hestia

📞 Main Line: 020 7378 3100 📧 info@hestia.org 🌐 hestia.org 📧 Referrals: hestia.referrals@hestia.org Provides refuge spaces, IDVA support, and community-based services across London and the South East. Also runs the Bright Sky app for discreet safety planning.

🌸 Women’s Aid

📞 24/7 Helpline (via Refuge): 0808 2000 247 🌐 womensaid.org.uk 📧 info@womensaid.org.uk 📧 helpline@womensaid.org.uk Offers a Live Chat, Survivors’ Forum, and the Survivor’s Handbook. Their Directory helps you find local services.

⚖️ Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ)

📞 Office: 020 7092 1807 📧 info@centreforwomensjustice.org.uk 🌐 centreforwomensjustice.org.uk A legal charity holding the state accountable for failures to protect women and girls. Their Support Directory lists services for survivors, including those from marginalised communities.

🌼 Women and Girls Network (WGN)

📞 Advice Line: 0808 801 0660 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm; Wed late: 6–9pm) 📧 advice@wgn.org.uk 🌐 wgn.org.uk 📞 West London Rape Crisis Centre: 0208 567 7347 📞 Young Women’s Services: 0203 985 6994 Free, trauma-informed support for women and girls (14+) in London affected by gender-based violence. Includes counselling, advocacy, and group healing spaces.

🧭 Rape Crisis England & Wales

📞 24/7 Helpline: 0808 802 9999 🌐 rapecrisis.org.uk 📧 info@rapecrisis.org.uk Offers emotional support, advocacy, and referrals to local centres. Also provides a Live Chat and resources for survivors and supporters.

🛡️ Victim Support

📞 24/7 Supportline: 0808 16 89 111 🌐 victimsupport.org.uk 📧 supportline@victimsupport.org.uk Provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. Includes My Support Space, an interactive self-help platform.

🧑‍⚖️ The Witness Service (Citizens Advice)

🌐 citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/witness-service Supports victims and witnesses going to court. Offers pre-trial visits, emotional support, and someone to accompany you in court.

💬 Sexual Abuse Support Campaign (Gov.uk)

🌐 sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk A government-backed hub with survivor stories, FAQs, and links to local services. Includes guidance for friends and family.

💰 Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

🌐 gov.uk/criminal-injuries-compensation You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve suffered harm from a violent crime. Applications can be made online, with support available from Victim Support.