Currently there is no statutory definition of domestic abuse, as our society’s understanding of what constitutes abuse has developed over time. It is not just physical violence which may leave marks on someone’s skin. It also includes sexual abuse, psychological abuse (including gaslighting), financial abuse or emotional abuse, as well as behaviour towards you which is intended to be controlling. Under plans for new legislation, it is proposed that there is one definition which will apply in the family and criminal courts. This would mean that “domestic abuse” is defined as follows:
Behaviour between two people over 16 who are personally connected (e.g. married or in a civil partnership, in a relationship, parents of a child etc.), which consists of any of the following:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological, emotional or other abuse.
Economic abuse means any behaviour which has a substantive adverse effect on someone’s ability to:
- Acquire, use or maintain money or other property
- Obtain goods or services