About Domestic Abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 now provides a clear, statutory definition of domestic abuse for the first time in the UK. Domestic violence or domestic abuse is a gendered issue but it can happen to anyone.
Our message to all domestic abuse victim-survivors is the same: it’s not your fault, you’re not alone, and help is available.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999
Domestic Abuse Definition
Behaviour of a person towards another person where they are each aged 16 or over and personally connected to each other and the behaviour is abusive. Abuse may include:
It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
What does Personally Connected include?
- People who are, or have been, married to each other
- People who are, or have been, civil partners of each other
- People who have agreed to marry (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
- People who entered a civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
- People who are/have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
- People who each have/had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child
- Family members, people who are relatives
Support services
Contact: contact@reducingtherisk.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (open 24/7)
Respect: Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010 327 (open Mon–Fri 10am-5pm)
GALOP: National LGBTQ+ Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (open Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 8pm Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm)