Explanatory Memorandum

Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

2021 CHAPTER 2

1 March 2021

Commentary on Sections

Part 1, Chapter 1 – Offence of Domestic Abuse

Section 11: Exception where responsibility for children

Subsection (1) provides that the domestic abuse offence does not apply where a person has parental responsibility for another person who is under 16 years of age.  It is considered that there are other provisions that deal with, and should more appropriately be used for, direct abuse of a child or young person by their parent or other carer.  This includes section 21.