PART 1

Definition of “domestic abuse”

Definition of “domestic abuse”
1
1
This section defines “domestic abuse” for the purposes of this Act.
2
Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if—
a
A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and
b
the behaviour is abusive.
3
Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following—
a
physical or sexual abuse;
b
violent or threatening behaviour;
c
controlling or coercive behaviour;
d
economic abuse (see subsection (4));
e
psychological, emotional or other abuse;
and it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
4
“Economic abuse” means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on B's ability to—
a
acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or
b
obtain goods or services.
5
For the purposes of this Act A's behaviour may be behaviour “towards” B despite the fact that it consists of conduct directed at another person (for example, B's child).
6
References in this Act to being abusive towards another person are to be read in accordance with this section.
7
For the meaning of “personally connected”, see section 2.
S. 1 in force at 1.10.2021 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2021/1038, reg. 2(a)
S. 1 in force at 5.7.2021 for specified purposes by S.I. 2021/797, reg. 2(1)