Within this document, is the definition of domestic abuse which is:

‘2.1  Domestic abuse is defined across government as any incident of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of their gender or sexuality. This definition will remain in use until April 2021 when it should be widened and become a statutory definition.

2.2 Domestic abuse covers, but is not limited to: • psychological; • physical; • sexual; • financial; and, • emotional forms of abuse. 

2.3  Controlling behaviour can involve a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape, and regulating their everyday behaviour. 

2.4 Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten a person….’

For further information:

Domestic Abuse Policy: https://tinyurl.com/v83cbn6

Making a disclosure in domestic abuse cases: https://tinyurl.com/t79e9ec

Domestic abuse pathway: https://tinyurl.com/vpbzqgv