Part 1Offence as to domestic abuse
Engaging in course of abusive behaviour
I12What constitutes abusive behaviour
1
Subsections (2) to (4) elaborate on section 1(1) as to A's behaviour.
2
Behaviour which is abusive of B includes (in particular)—
a
behaviour directed at B that is violent, threatening or intimidating,
b
behaviour directed at B, at a child of B or at another person that either—
i
has as its purpose (or among its purposes) one or more of the relevant effects set out in subsection (3), or
ii
would be considered by a reasonable person to be likely to have one or more of the relevant effects set out in subsection (3).
3
The relevant effects are of—
a
making B dependent on, or subordinate to, A,
b
isolating B from friends, relatives or other sources of support,
c
controlling, regulating or monitoring B's day-to-day activities,
d
depriving B of, or restricting B's, freedom of action,
e
frightening, humiliating, degrading or punishing B.
4
In subsection (2)—
a
in paragraph (a), the reference to violent behaviour includes sexual violence as well as physical violence,
b
in paragraph (b), the reference to a child is to a person who is under 18 years of age.