Domestic Abuse Act 2021
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 marked a significant step in the UK's approach to tackling domestic abuse, introducing comprehensive legal definitions and protections. However the 2024 brought subsequent developments to the Act , including amendments and related legislation that have built upon the 2021 Act to enhance protections and enforcement mechanisms. Here's an overview of the key elements of the 2021 Act and the notable developments up to 2024:
Definition of Domestic Abuse (2021):
In 2021, domestic abuse was legally defined to include more than just physical violence. It also covers emotional and psychological abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, and economic abuse. One of the key improvements was the recognition that children who see or hear abuse at home should also be treated as victims in their own right. This was a big step in understanding the true impact of abuse on families.
New Protections Introduced in 2021:
The 2021 Act introduced something called Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, or DAPOs. These were designed to help keep victims safe by placing restrictions on abusers, such as banning contact or requiring behaviour change programs. The law also banned abusers from directly cross-examining their victims in family courts, helping to prevent further trauma.
What Changed in 2024:
By 2024, the government began putting some of the 2021 measures into practice. DAPOs were piloted in certain areas of the country. For the first time, breaking a DAPO became a criminal offence, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years. There was also a stronger focus on coercive control, which refers to non-physical abuse like manipulation and isolation. Offenders sentenced to at least one year for coercive behaviour are now managed in the same way as violent or sexual offenders, to protect victims and prevent repeat abuse.
Working Together to Support Victims:
Another major change in 2024 was the requirement for local services—such as the police, councils, and the NHS—to work together to support victims of domestic abuse. Under new rules from the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, these services must now assess the needs in their area and develop a plan to provide proper support to those affected.
Stronger Oversight:
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, a role created in 2021, was also given more power in 2024. More public organisations are now legally required to cooperate with the Commissioner, making it easier to monitor how well the system is protecting victims and holding services accountable.
Conclusion:
To sum up, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 set the foundation by defining abuse and introducing new protections. The 2024 updates helped bring those protections to life. They made the law more effective by enforcing stricter rules, improving coordination between services, and ensuring victims receive the support they need.
Salisbury Women’s Refuge provides accommodation and support services for up to 12 women and their children. Established in 1984, it has provided a lifeline for over 1000 families. The Refuge is part of Wiltshire Council’s domestic abuse provision, although it remains an independent local charity. It relies on fundraising to continue its work.
Refuge Manager Sandra Horner welcomed the new law:
‘It is vital that women and their children are able to access safe accommodation and support in order to rebuild their lives. This law strengthens statutory provision for victims of domestic abuse.’