The legal framework
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 created a statutory definition covering physical, sexual, emotional, economic and coercive or controlling behaviour, and recognised children as victims in their own right. Civil protection comes from non-molestation and occupation orders under the Family Law Act, and new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders are being rolled out.
Key points
| Definition | Includes coercive control and economic abuse; children who see or hear abuse are victims |
|---|---|
| Non-molestation order | Available without notice in urgent cases, breach is a criminal offence |
| Occupation order | Regulates who may live in the family home |
| Coercive control | A criminal offence since 2015, extended to post-separation abuse |
| Clare's Law | Right to ask and right to know about a partner's abusive history |
| Legal aid | Available for family proceedings where there is evidence of domestic abuse |
| Immigration | The destitution domestic violence concession assists some spouses on partner visas |
| Domestic Abuse Act 2021 | Created a statutory definition including economic abuse and children as victims |
| Protection notices and orders | Police can impose immediate protection pending a court order |
In practice
- Build a record: dated notes, photographs, medical reports, messages and names of witnesses.
- Plan the exit before announcing it — separation is statistically the most dangerous period.
- Keep identity documents, some money and a spare set of keys somewhere safe outside the home.
- Tell schools and employers where safety arrangements are needed.
- Ask the police about a domestic violence protection notice: it can take effect the same day.
- Use the right to ask under the disclosure scheme if you have concerns about a new partner.
Cost and coverage
Legal aid is available for protective orders where abuse evidence is provided; applications for non-molestation orders carry no court fee.
Recent changes
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, piloted from 2024, are designed to combine the strengths of the existing orders and can impose positive requirements on perpetrators.
Where to go
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247, free, 24/7 (Refuge).
- Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 0800 027 1234; Northern Ireland 0808 802 1414.
- Men's Advice Line 0808 8010 327; Galop 0800 999 5428 for LGBT+ victims.
Worth knowing
Evidence of abuse unlocks legal aid in family cases. Keep copies of anything a solicitor could use: medical letters, police reference numbers, refuge letters or a GP note. Economic abuse is expressly included in the statutory definition. Controlling money, debt or employment is abuse in law, not merely in description.
Official sources and links
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised