Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021
PART 1
Domestic abuse: offence and aggravation
CHAPTER 1
Offence of domestic abuse
Course of abusive behaviour
1
The domestic abuse offence
2
What amounts to abusive behaviour
3
Impact of behaviour on victim
4
Meaning of behaviour etc.
Personal connection
5
Meaning of personal connection
6
Establishing connection by notice
7
How notice is to be served
Aggravating factors
8
Aggravation where victim is under 18
9
Aggravation where relevant child is involved
Applicable rules and penalty
10
Behaviour occurring outside the UK
11
Exception where responsibility for children
12
Defence on grounds of reasonableness
13
Alternative available for conviction
14
Penalty for the offence
CHAPTER 2
Aggravation as to domestic abuse
Sentencing aggravation
15
Aggravation as to domestic abuse
16
What amounts to the aggravation
17
Exception regarding the aggravation
Personal connection
18
Meaning of personal connection
19
Establishing connection by notice
20
How notice is to be served
CHAPTER 3
Miscellaneous provision
Definitions for child cruelty offence
21
Meaning of ill-treatment etc. in offence provision
Criminal cases involving domestic abuse
22
No right to claim trial by jury
23
Special measures directions
24
Prohibition of cross-examination in person
25
Meaning of offence involving domestic abuse etc.
Information-sharing and victim protection
26
Information-sharing with schools etc.
27
Protective measures for victims of abuse
Civil legal aid for victims of abuse
28
Eligibility of victims for civil legal aid
29
Proposals as to availability of civil legal aid
Guidance and operational matters
30
Guidance about domestic abuse
31
Guidance on data collection
32
Training within relevant bodies
33
Independent oversight of this Part
34
Report on the operation of this Part
PART 2
Provision for civil proceedings
Residence and contact orders
35
Factors relevant to residence and contact orders
Cross-examination and special measures
36
Prohibition of cross-examination in person in family proceedings
37
Special measures directions in family proceedings
38
Prohibition of cross-examination in person in civil proceedings generally
39
Special measures directions in civil proceedings generally
PART 3
Commencement and short title
40
Commencement
41
Short title

Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021
2021 CHAPTER 2
An Act to create a course of conduct offence and a sentencing aggravation concerning domestic abuse and make rules as to procedure and giving evidence in criminal cases involving domestic abuse; regulate the conduct of civil proceedings in particular circumstances; and make provision for connected purposes.
[1st March 2021]
BE IT ENACTED by being passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly and assented to by Her Majesty as follows: