Domestic Abuse Act 2021
This section defines “domestic abuse” for the purposes of this Act.
Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if—
A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and
the behaviour is abusive.
Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following— and it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
physical or sexual abuse;
violent or threatening behaviour;
controlling or coercive behaviour;
economic abuse (see subsection (4));
psychological, emotional or other abuse;
“Economic abuse” means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on B's ability to—
acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or
obtain goods or services.
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).
References in this Act to being abusive towards another person are to be read in accordance with this section.
For the meaning of “personally connected”, see section 2.
For the purposes of this Act, two people are “personally connected” to each other if any of the following applies—
they are, or have been, married to each other;
they are, or have been, civil partners of each other;
they have agreed to marry one another (whether or not the agreement has been terminated);
they have entered into a civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated);
they are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other;
they each have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child (see subsection (2));
they are relatives.
For the purposes of subsection (1)(f) a person has a parental relationship in relation to a child if—
the person is a parent of the child, or
the person has parental responsibility for the child.
In this section—
a district council for an area for which there is a county council;
In section 65A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (qualifying offences for the purposes of Part 5 of that Act), in subsection (2), after paragraph (r) insert—
Section 29 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (racially or religiously aggravated assaults) is amended as follows. In subsection (1), after paragraph (b) (but before the “or” following it) insert—. In subsection (2), for “or (b)” substitute “ , (b) or (ba) ”.
In Part 1 of Schedule 15 to the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (violent offences specified for purposes of certain custodial sentences), before paragraph 63G insert—
In section 98 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (violent offender orders), in subsection (3), after paragraph (d) insert—.
proceedings in the family court (other than proceedings under or by virtue of this Part), and
...
If the court has reason to suspect that a medical report will be required, the power to remand a person under section 40 may be exercised for the purpose of enabling a medical examination to take place and a report to be made. If the person is remanded in custody for that purpose, the adjournment may not be for more than 3 weeks at a time. If the person is remanded on bail for that purpose, the adjournment may not be for more than 4 weeks at a time. Sub-paragraph (5) applies if there is reason to suspect that a person who has been arrested under a warrant issued on an application made under section 40 is suffering from mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983. The court has the same power to make an order under section 35 of that Act (remand to hospital for report on accused's mental condition) as the Crown Court has under that section in the case of an accused person (within the meaning of that section).
The court may, when remanding a person on bail in accordance with this Schedule, require the person to comply, before release on bail or later, with any requirements that appear to the court to be necessary to secure that the person does not interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.
“the relevant period” means the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force (but see subsection (4)).
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 is amended as follows. In section 72 (offences outside the United Kingdom)— In Schedule 2 (sexual offences to which section 72 applies)—
The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 is amended as follows. After section 54C insert— In the heading of section 55, at the end insert “ : child victims ”. For the heading of section 56 substitute “ Section 55: continuity of law ”.
In Article 76 of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 (offences outside the United Kingdom)—
in paragraphs (1)(b) and (2)(c), for “Article” substitute “paragraph”;
in paragraph (3)(c), for “Article” substitute “paragraph”;
in paragraph (10), for “this Article applies” substitute “paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) apply”;
after paragraph (10) insert—;
in paragraphs (11) and (12), after “paragraph (10)” insert “or (10A)”.
This section applies where behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is domestic abuse.
Any reference in this Act to a victim of domestic abuse includes a reference to a child who—
sees or hears, or experiences the effects of, the abuse, and
is related to A or B.
A child is related to a person for the purposes of subsection (2) if—
the person is a parent of, or has parental responsibility for, the child, or
the child and the person are relatives.
In this section—
“the HMIC Report” means the report on Liberty and Southall Black Sisters' super-complaint on policing and immigration status published by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary on 17 December 2020;
The Secretary of State must appoint a person as the Domestic Abuse Commissioner (“the Commissioner”).
The Commissioner is to hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Commissioner's appointment.
The Commissioner is not to be regarded as the servant or agent of the Crown or as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.
The Secretary of State may make payments to the Commissioner out of money provided by Parliament for the purpose of enabling the Commissioner to meet expenditure incurred in the exercise of the Commissioner's functions.
Payments are to be made at such times, and subject to any such conditions, as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
The Secretary of State may pay, or make provision for paying, to or in respect of the Commissioner—
remuneration;
allowances;
sums by way of or in respect of pensions.
The Secretary of State must provide the Commissioner with— as the Secretary of State considers necessary for the carrying out of the Commissioner's functions.
such staff, and
such accommodation, equipment and other facilities,
Before providing any staff, the Secretary of State must—
consult the Commissioner, and
obtain the Commissioner's approval as to the persons to be provided as staff.
The Secretary of State must consult the Commissioner before providing any accommodation, equipment or other facilities.
The Commissioner must encourage good practice in—
the prevention of domestic abuse;
the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of offences involving domestic abuse;
the identification of—
people who carry out domestic abuse;
victims of domestic abuse;
children affected by domestic abuse;
the provision of protection and support to people affected by domestic abuse.
The things that the Commissioner may do in pursuance of the general duty under subsection (1) include—
assessing, monitoring, and publishing information about, the provision of services to people affected by domestic abuse;
making recommendations to any public authority about the exercise of its functions;
undertaking or supporting (financially or otherwise) the carrying out of research;
providing information, education or training;
taking other steps to increase public awareness of domestic abuse;
consulting public authorities, voluntary organisations and other persons;
co-operating with, or working jointly with, public authorities, voluntary organisations and other persons, whether in England and Wales or outside the United Kingdom.
Subject to subsection (4), the Commissioner may not do anything in pursuance of the general duty under subsection (1) that—
relates to a devolved Welsh authority, or
otherwise relates to Welsh devolved matters.
Subsection (3) does not prevent the Commissioner from—
doing anything falling within subsection (2)(c), (d) or (e), to the extent that the thing done does not relate to Welsh devolved matters;
doing anything falling within subsection (2)(f) or (g);
disclosing information to a devolved Welsh authority, or information which relates to Welsh devolved matters, under section 18.
For the purposes of this section something relates to Welsh devolved matters so far as it relates to—
any matter provision about which would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru if it were contained in an Act of Senedd Cymru, or
(so far as it is not within paragraph (a)), any matter functions with respect to which are exercisable by the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister for Wales, the Counsel General to the Welsh Government or the Senedd Commission.
In this section—
a county council or district council in England,
The court may remand P in custody or on bail. If remanded in custody, P is to be committed to custody to be brought before the court— The court may remand P on bail— Where P is brought before the court after remand, the court may further remand P.
Where under paragraph 2(3)(b) the court fixes the amount in which the principal and the sureties, if any, are to be bound, the recognizance may afterwards be taken by a person prescribed by rules of court, with the same consequences as if it had been entered into before the court.
In Schedule 2A to the Housing Act 1985 (absolute ground for possession for anti-social behaviour: serious offences), after paragraph 14 insert—
Schedule 1A to the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (proceedings in which witnesses are automatically eligible for assistance on grounds of fear or distress about testifying) is amended as follows. After paragraph 29 insert— In paragraph 30, after “paragraphs 1 to 8” insert “ and 29A ”.
In section 6A of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (evidence and procedure in cases of serious physical harm: England and Wales), in subsection (2), at the end insert—
In Schedule 4 to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (offences to which defence for slavery or trafficking victims under section 45 of that Act does not apply), after paragraph 35 insert—
Section 11 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (certain offences committed outside Scotland) is amended as follows. In subsections (1) and (2), for “British citizen or British subject” substitute “ relevant person ”. After subsection (2) insert—
Where P is remanded on bail, the court may direct that P's recognizance be conditioned for P's appearance— Where a recognizance is conditioned for P's appearance as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(b), the fixing of a time for P next to appear is to be treated as a remand. Nothing in this paragraph affects the power of the court at any subsequent hearing to remand P afresh.
The court may not remand P for a period exceeding eight clear days unless— This is subject to paragraph 6. Where the court has power to remand P in custody, P may be committed to the custody of a constable if the remand is for a period not exceeding three clear days.
in relation to England, the Secretary of State;
The Commissioner may report to the Secretary of State on any matter relating to domestic abuse.
The Commissioner must publish every report made under this section.
Before publishing a report under this section, the Commissioner must send a draft of the report to the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State may direct the Commissioner to omit material from any report under this section before publication if the Secretary of State thinks the publication of that material—
might jeopardise the safety of any person, or
might prejudice the investigation or prosecution of an offence.
The Secretary of State must consult the Commissioner before making any direction under subsection (4).
The Commissioner must arrange for a copy of any report published under this section to be laid before Parliament.
The Commissioner may provide the Secretary of State with any advice or assistance that the Secretary of State may request.
The Commissioner may, at the request of any other person, provide the person with advice or assistance relating to the exercise of any of the person's functions, or the carrying out of any activities by the person, in relation to people affected by domestic abuse.
The Commissioner may charge a person for providing the person with advice or assistance under subsection (2).
The Commissioner must publish any advice given to a person under subsection (2).
Before publishing any advice given under this section, the Commissioner must send a draft of what is proposed to be published to the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State may direct the Commissioner to omit anything contained in the advice before publication if the Secretary of State thinks the publication of that material—
might jeopardise the safety of any person, or
might prejudice the investigation or prosecution of an offence.
The Secretary of State must consult the Commissioner before making any direction under subsection (6).
The Commissioner may do anything which the Commissioner considers will facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the carrying out of the Commissioner's functions.
But the Commissioner may not borrow money.
The Secretary of State must issue a document (a “framework document”) that deals with matters relating to the Commissioner.
The matters that may be dealt with by a framework document include (among other things)—
matters relating to governance, funding and staffing;
matters relating to the exercise of functions of the Commissioner;
matters relating to scrutiny of the Commissioner's activities by Parliament or by Senedd Cymru.
The Commissioner must have regard to the framework document when exercising any of the Commissioner's functions.
The Secretary of State must have regard to the framework document when exercising any functions in relation to the Commissioner.
The Secretary of State—
must keep the framework document under review, and
may issue a revised framework document.
The Secretary of State—
must consult the Commissioner in preparing or revising a framework document, and
may not issue a framework document without the agreement of the Commissioner.
The Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers before issuing—
the first framework document under this section, or
any other framework document which is, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, significantly different from the framework document it replaces.
The Secretary of State must—
arrange for any framework document issued under this section to be published in the manner which the Secretary of State considers appropriate,
send a copy of the framework document to the Welsh Ministers, and
lay a copy of the framework document before Parliament.
The Welsh Ministers must lay before Senedd Cymru a copy of any framework document sent to them under subsection (8)(b).
The Commissioner must establish an Advisory Board (“the Board”) for the purposes of providing advice to the Commissioner about the exercise of the Commissioner's functions.
The Board is to consist of not fewer than six and not more than ten members appointed by the Commissioner.
Each member of the Board is to hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms and conditions of the member's appointment.
The members of the Board must include—
at least one person appearing to the Commissioner to represent the interests of victims of domestic abuse;
at least one person appearing to the Commissioner to represent the interests of charities and other voluntary organisations that work with victims of domestic abuse in England;
at least one person appearing to the Commissioner to represent the interests of persons who provide, or have functions relating to, health care services in England;
at least one person appearing to the Commissioner to represent the interests of persons who provide, or have functions relating to, social care services in England;
at least one person appearing to the Commissioner to represent the interests of persons with functions relating to policing or criminal justice;
at least one person appearing to the Commissioner to have academic expertise in relation to domestic abuse.
The Commissioner may pay such remuneration or allowances to members of the Board as the Commissioner may determine.
In this section—
the Ministry of Defence Police.
Section 40
Section 70
Section 74
“accommodation-based support” means support, in relation to domestic abuse, provided to victims of domestic abuse, or their children, who reside in relevant accommodation;
The county court may make a domestic abuse protection order against a person (“P”) in any relevant proceedings to which both P and the person for whose protection the order would be made are parties.
In subsection (7) “relevant proceedings” means proceedings of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority;
The Commissioner must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Commissioner's appointment, prepare and publish a strategic plan.
A strategic plan is a plan setting out how the Commissioner proposes to exercise the Commissioner's functions in the period to which the plan relates, which must be not less than one year and not more than three years.
A strategic plan must in particular—
state the Commissioner's objectives and priorities for the period to which the plan relates;
state any matters on which the Commissioner proposes to report under section 8 during that period;
state any other activities the Commissioner proposes to undertake during that period in the exercise of the Commissioner's functions.
The Commissioner must, before the end of the period to which a strategic plan relates (“the current period”)—
prepare a strategic plan for a period immediately following the current period, and
publish that plan.
At any time during the period to which a strategic plan relates, the Commissioner—
may revise the strategic plan, and
must publish any revised plan.
In preparing or revising a strategic plan, the Commissioner must consult—
the Secretary of State,
the Advisory Board established under section 12, and
such other persons as the Commissioner considers appropriate.
The Commissioner must arrange for a copy of any plan (or revised plan) published under this section to be laid before Parliament.
As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, the Commissioner must submit to the Secretary of State an annual report on the exercise of the Commissioner's functions during the year.
The annual report must include—
an assessment of the extent to which the Commissioner's objectives and priorities have been met in that year;
a statement of the matters on which the Commissioner has reported under section 8 during the year;
a statement of the other activities the Commissioner has undertaken during the year in the exercise of the Commissioner's functions.
The Commissioner must arrange for a copy of every annual report under this section to be laid before Parliament (but see subsection (4)).
The Secretary of State may direct the Commissioner to omit material from any report under this section before it is laid before Parliament if the Secretary of State thinks the publication of that material—
might jeopardise the safety of any person, or
might prejudice the investigation or prosecution of an offence.
The Secretary of State must consult the Commissioner before making any direction under subsection (4).
In this section “financial year” means—
the period beginning with the day on which the first Domestic Abuse Commissioner takes office and ending with the following 31 March, and
each successive period of 12 months.
The Commissioner may request a specified public authority to co-operate with the Commissioner in any way that the Commissioner considers necessary for the purposes of the Commissioner's functions.
A specified public authority must, so far as reasonably practicable, comply with a request made to it under this section.
In this section “specified public authority” means any of the following—
a chief officer of police of a police force maintained for a police area in England and Wales;
a local policing body;
the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Force;
the British Transport Police Authority;
the Ministry of Defence Police;
an immigration officer or other official of the Secretary of State exercising functions in relation to immigration or asylum;
the Crown Prosecution Service;
the Parole Board;
the Criminal Cases Review Commission;
an English local authority;
an NHS body in England;
Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary;
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service;
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills;
a body approved as an independent inspectorate under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 (inspection of registered independent educational institutions);
the Care Quality Commission;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section so as to—
add a public authority as a specified public authority for the purposes of this section;
remove a public authority added by virtue of paragraph (a);
vary any description of a public authority.
Before making regulations under subsection (4) the Secretary of State must consult the Commissioner.
Regulations under subsection (4) may not contain provision adding a devolved Welsh authority as a specified public authority for the purposes of this section.
In this section—
“serious harm” means—
an immigration officer or other official of the Secretary of State exercising functions in relation to immigration or asylum.
Where a person (“P”) has been convicted of an offence, the court dealing with P for that offence may (as well as sentencing P or dealing with P in any other way) make a domestic abuse protection order against P.
But subsection (3) does not apply where the Court of Appeal is dealing with a person for an offence.
A court by or before which a person is acquitted of an offence may make a domestic abuse protection order against the person.
Where the Crown Court allows a person's appeal against a conviction for an offence, the Crown Court may make a domestic abuse protection order against the person.
a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British National (Overseas) or a British Overseas citizen,
in relation to proceedings in a magistrates' court, magistrates' court rules;
the Council of the Isles of Scilly;
“assessment” includes a consultation, whether in person or otherwise;
In the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, after section 4A insert—
In the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, after section 39 insert—
This section applies where the Commissioner publishes a report under section 8 containing recommendations in relation to—
any public authority that is a specified public authority for the purposes of section 15;
any government department in the charge of a Minister.
The relevant person must prepare comments on the report.
In this section “the relevant person” means— as the case may be.
the public authority, or
the Minister in charge of the government department,
The comments must include, in respect of each recommendation made in the report, an explanation of—
the action which the relevant person has taken, or proposes to take, in response to the recommendation, or
why the relevant person has not taken, or does not propose to take, any action in response.
The relevant person must arrange for the comments to be published in such manner as the person considers appropriate.
The comments must be published before the end of the period of 56 days beginning with the day on which the report is published.
The relevant person must send a copy of anything published under subsection (5) to—
the Commissioner, and
where the relevant person is a specified public authority for the purposes of section 15, the Secretary of State.
Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (establishment and conduct of domestic homicide reviews) is amended as follows.
After subsection (3A) insert—
The Commissioner may disclose to a person any information received by the Commissioner in connection with the Commissioner's functions if the disclosure is made for a purpose connected with a function of the Commissioner.
A person may disclose any information to the Commissioner if the disclosure is made for the purposes of enabling or assisting the Commissioner to exercise any function.
A disclosure of information authorised by this section does not breach—
any obligation of confidence owed by the person making the disclosure in relation to that information, or
any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).
But nothing in this Part requires or authorises any of the following—
the disclosure of any patient information (see subsection (5));
the making of a disclosure which, although made in the exercise of a function under this Part, would contravene the data protection legislation (see subsection (6));
the making of a disclosure which is prohibited by any of Parts 1 to 7 or Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.
“Patient information” means information (however recorded) which—
relates to— or is (to any extent) derived directly or indirectly from information relating to any of those matters, and
the physical or mental health or condition of an individual,
the diagnosis of an individual's condition, or
an individual's care or treatment,
identifies the individual or enables the individual to be identified (either by itself or in combination with other information).
In this section “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).
This section does not affect any power to disclose that exists apart from this section.
The Commissioner may not exercise any function in relation to an individual case.
But subsection (1) does not prevent the Commissioner considering individual cases and drawing conclusions about them for the purpose of, or in the context of, considering a general issue.
The Commissioner must, before the end of the relevant period, prepare and publish a report under section 8 on—
the need for domestic abuse services in England, and
the provision of such services.
But subsection (1) does not require the Commissioner to report on the need for, or provision of, services provided to people who reside in relevant accommodation (within the meaning of section 57(2)).
In subsection (1)—
The Secretary of State, with the agreement of the Commissioner, may by regulations extend the relevant period for a further period of up to 6 months.
The power conferred by subsection (4) may be exercised only once.
In Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (offices disqualifying for membership), at the appropriate place insert— “ Domestic Abuse Commissioner. ”
In Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (other public bodies and offices: general), at the appropriate place insert— “ The Domestic Abuse Commissioner. ”
In section 37 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (power of the Senedd to call witnesses etc), after subsection (6A) insert—
A senior police officer may give a domestic abuse protection notice to a person (“P”) if conditions A and B are met.
A domestic abuse protection notice is a notice prohibiting P from being abusive towards a person aged 16 or over to whom P is personally connected. (Section 23 contains further provision about the provision that may be made by notices.)
Condition A is that the senior police officer has reasonable grounds for believing that P has been abusive towards a person aged 16 or over to whom P is personally connected.
Condition B is that the senior police officer has reasonable grounds for believing that it is necessary to give the notice to protect that person from domestic abuse, or the risk of domestic abuse, carried out by P.
It does not matter whether the abusive behaviour referred to in subsection (3) took place in England and Wales or elsewhere.
A domestic abuse protection notice may not be given to a person who is under the age of 18.
A domestic abuse protection notice has effect in all parts of the United Kingdom.
In this Part—
family proceedings within the meaning of Part 5 of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984;
the maintenance of effective immigration control, or
In the Serious Crime Act 2015, after section 76 (controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship) insert—
In the Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, after Article 6 insert—
“relevant police force” means—
the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police;
This Schedule applies where a court has power to remand a person (“P”) under section 40.
If the court is satisfied that a person (“P”) who has been remanded is unable by reason of illness or accident to appear or be brought before the court at the end of the period of remand, the court may further remand P in P's absence. The power under sub-paragraph (1) may, in the case of a person who was remanded on bail, be exercised by enlarging the person's recognizance and those of any sureties for the person to a later time. Where a person (“P”) remanded on bail is bound to appear before the court at any time and the court has no power to remand P under sub-paragraph (1), the court may (in P's absence) enlarge P's recognizance and those of any sureties for P to a later time. The enlargement of P's recognizance is to be treated as a further remand. Paragraph 4(1) (limit of remand) does not apply to the exercise of the powers conferred by this paragraph.
In Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (offences in England and Wales for which cross-border powers of arrest available), for paragraph 24 substitute—
In Schedule 5 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (cases where sexual harm prevention orders may be made), after paragraph 63B insert—
In section 58 of the Children Act 2004 (reasonable punishment: England), in subsection (2), after paragraph (c) insert—
The Sentencing Act 2020 is amended as follows. In section 67 (assaults on emergency workers), in subsection (3), after paragraph (a) insert—. In Part 1 of Schedule 18 (violent offences for which extended sentence of imprisonment available), after paragraph 25 insert—
A domestic abuse protection notice may provide that the person to whom the notice is given (“P”)— “Specified” means specified in the notice.
may not contact the person for whose protection the notice is given;
may not come within a specified distance of any premises in England or Wales in which that person lives.
If P lives in premises in England or Wales in which the person for whose protection the notice is given also lives, the notice may also contain provision—
prohibiting P from evicting or excluding that person from the premises;
prohibiting P from entering the premises;
requiring P to leave the premises.
Before giving a domestic abuse protection notice to a person (“P”), a senior police officer must, among other things, consider the following—
the welfare of any person under the age of 18 whose interests the officer considers relevant to the giving of the notice (whether or not that person and P are personally connected);
the opinion of the person for whose protection the notice would be given as to the giving of the notice;
any representations made by P about the giving of the notice;
in a case where the notice includes provision relating to premises lived in by the person for whose protection the notice would be given, the opinion of any relevant occupant as to the giving of the notice.
In subsection (1)(d) “relevant occupant” means a person other than P or the person for whose protection the notice would be given—
who lives in the premises, and
who is personally connected to—
the person for whose protection the notice would be given, or
if P also lives in the premises, P.
The officer must take reasonable steps to discover the opinions mentioned in subsection (1).
It is not necessary for the person for whose protection a domestic abuse protection notice is given to consent to the giving of the notice.
A domestic abuse protection notice must be in writing.
A domestic abuse protection notice given to a person (“P”) must state—
the grounds on which it has been given,
that a constable may arrest P without warrant if the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that P is in breach of the notice,
that an application for a domestic abuse protection order under section 28 will be heard by a magistrates' court within 48 hours of the time of giving the notice (disregarding any days mentioned in section 29(3)) and a notice of the hearing will be given to P,
that the notice continues in effect until that application has been determined or withdrawn, and
the provision that a magistrates' court may include in a domestic abuse protection order.
The notice must be served on P personally by a constable.
On serving the notice on P, the constable must ask P for an address at which P may be given the notice of the hearing of the application for the domestic abuse protection order.
Subsection (6) applies where—
a senior police officer gives a domestic abuse protection notice to a person (“P”) who the officer believes is a person subject to service law in accordance with sections 367 to 369 of the Armed Forces Act 2006,
the notice includes provision by virtue of section 23(2) prohibiting P from entering premises, or requiring P to leave premises, and
the officer believes that the premises are relevant service accommodation.
The officer must make reasonable efforts to inform P's commanding officer of the giving of the notice.
In this section—
If a constable has reasonable grounds for believing that a person is in breach of a domestic abuse protection notice, the constable may arrest the person without warrant.
A person arrested by virtue of subsection (1) must be held in custody and brought before the appropriate magistrates' court—
before the end of the period of 24 hours beginning with the time of the arrest, or
if earlier, at the hearing of the application for a domestic abuse protection order against the person (see section 28(3)).
In subsection (2) “the appropriate magistrates' court” means the magistrates' court which is to hear the application mentioned in subsection (2)(b).
In calculating when the period of 24 hours mentioned in subsection (2)(a) ends, the following days are to be disregarded—
any Sunday,
Christmas Day,
Good Friday, and
any day which is a bank holiday in England and Wales under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
If the person is brought before the court as mentioned in subsection (2)(a), the court may remand the person. (For power to remand a person brought before the court as mentioned in subsection (2)(b), see section 29(8).)
In the application of section 128(6) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 to remand under subsection (5) above, the reference to the “other party” is to be read as a reference to the senior police officer who gave the notice.
The court may, when remanding the person on bail, require the person to comply, before release on bail or later, with any requirements that appear to the court to be necessary to secure that the person does not interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.
The requirement in subsection (2) to bring a person before the court is satisfied if the person appears before the court through a live video link or live audio link (within the meaning given by section 56 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003).
any reference in section 57C of that Act to being in police detention in connection with an offence were a reference to being held in custody under subsection (2) above, and
subsections (4), (10) and (11) of that section were omitted.
In section 17(1) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (entry for purpose of arrest etc), after paragraph (c) insert—.
In this Part a “domestic abuse protection order” is an order which, for the purpose of preventing a person (“P”) from being abusive towards a person aged 16 or over to whom P is personally connected—
prohibits P from doing things described in the order, or
requires P to do things described in the order.
A domestic abuse protection order may be made—
on application (see section 28), or
in the course of certain proceedings (see section 31).
Section 32 sets out the conditions for making a domestic abuse protection order.
A court may make a domestic abuse protection order under this section against a person (“P”) on an application made to it in accordance with this section.
An application for an order under this section may be made by—
the person for whose protection the order is sought;
the appropriate chief officer of police (see subsection (4));
a person specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State;
any other person with the leave of the court to which the application is to be made.
Where P is given a domestic abuse protection notice by a member of a relevant police force under section 22, the chief officer of police in relation to that force must apply for a domestic abuse protection order against P. (For further provision about such applications, see section 29.)
The appropriate chief officer of police is—
in a case where subsection (3) applies, the chief officer of police referred to in that subsection;
in any other case, any of the following—
the chief officer of police of the force maintained for any police area in which P resides;
the chief officer of police of any other force maintained for a police area who believes that P is in that police area or is intending to come to it;
the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Force;
the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police.
An application for an order under this section must be made to the family court, except where subsection (6) or (7) applies.
An application made by a chief officer of police for an order under this section must be made by complaint to a magistrates' court.
In a case where— an application for an order under this section may be made in those proceedings by the person for whose protection the order is sought.
P, and the person for whose protection the order is sought, are parties to any family or civil proceedings, and
the court would have power to make a domestic abuse protection order under section 31 in those proceedings without an application being made,
Where an application is made to a magistrates' court in accordance with this section—
the magistrates' court may adjourn the hearing of the application;
on the hearing of the application, section 97 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (summons to witness and warrant for arrest) does not apply in relation to the person for whose protection the order is sought, except where the person has given oral or written evidence at the hearing.
This section applies where, as a result of a person (“P”) being given a domestic abuse protection notice under section 22, a chief officer of police is required by section 28(3) to apply for a domestic abuse protection order against P.
The application must be heard by the magistrates' court not later than 48 hours after the notice was given to P.
In calculating when the period of 48 hours mentioned in subsection (2) ends, the following days are to be disregarded—
any Sunday,
Christmas Day,
Good Friday, and
any day which is a bank holiday in England and Wales under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
P must be given a notice of the hearing of the application.
The notice under subsection (4) is to be treated as having been given if it has been left at the address given by P under section 25(4).
But if the notice has not been given because P did not give an address under section 25(4), the court may hear the application if satisfied that the chief officer of police has made reasonable efforts to give P the notice.
If the court adjourns the hearing of the application, the domestic abuse protection notice continues in effect until the application has been determined or withdrawn.
If— the court may remand P.
P is brought before the court at the hearing of the application as a result of P's arrest by virtue of section 26(1) (arrest for breach of domestic abuse protection notice), and
the court adjourns the hearing,
This section applies where—
as a result of a person being given a domestic abuse protection notice under section 22, a chief officer of police has applied for a domestic abuse protection order against the person, and
the magistrates' court remands the person under section 29(8).
In the application of section 128(6) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 to such remand, the reference to the “other party” is to be read as a reference to the chief officer of police who applied for the order.
If the court has reason to suspect that a medical report will be required, the power to remand the person may be exercised for the purpose of enabling a medical examination to take place and a report to be made.
If the person is remanded in custody for that purpose, the adjournment may not be for more than 3 weeks at a time.
If the person is remanded on bail for that purpose, the adjournment may not be for more than 4 weeks at a time.
If the court has reason to suspect that the person is suffering from mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983, the court has the same power to make an order under section 35 of that Act (remand to hospital for report on accused's mental condition) as it has under that section in the case of an accused person (within the meaning of that section).
The court may, when remanding the person on bail, require the person to comply, before release on bail or later, with any requirements that appear to the court to be necessary to secure that the person does not interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.
A court may make a domestic abuse protection order under this section in any of the cases set out below.
“relative” has the meaning given by section 63(1) of the Family Law Act 1996;
The High Court or the family court may make a domestic abuse protection order against a person (“P”) in any family proceedings to which both P and the person for whose protection the order would be made are parties.
The court may make a domestic abuse protection order under section 28 or 31 against a person (“P”) if conditions A and B are met.
Condition A is that the court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that P has been abusive towards a person aged 16 or over to whom P is personally connected.
Condition B is that the order is necessary and proportionate to protect that person from domestic abuse, or the risk of domestic abuse, carried out by P.
It does not matter—
whether the abusive behaviour referred to in subsection (2) took place in England and Wales or elsewhere, or
whether it took place before or after the coming into force of this section.
A domestic abuse protection order may not be made against a person who is under the age of 18.
Before making a domestic abuse protection order against a person (“P”), the court must, among other things, consider the following—
the welfare of any person under the age of 18 whose interests the court considers relevant to the making of the order (whether or not that person and P are personally connected);
any opinion of the person for whose protection the order would be made—
which relates to the making of the order, and
of which the court is made aware;
in a case where the order includes provision relating to premises lived in by the person for whose protection the order would be made, any opinion of a relevant occupant—
which relates to the making of the order, and
of which the court is made aware.
In subsection (1)(c) “relevant occupant” means a person other than P or the person for whose protection the order would be made—
who lives in the premises, and
who is personally connected to—
the person for whose protection the order would be made, or
if P also lives in the premises, P.
It is not necessary for the person for whose protection a domestic abuse protection order is made to consent to the making of the order.
A court may, in any case where it is just and convenient to do so, make a domestic abuse protection order against a person (“P”) even though P has not been given such notice of the proceedings as would otherwise be required by rules of court.
Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the making of an order under section 28 on an application made in accordance with subsection (3) of that section (see instead section 29(4) to (6)).
In deciding whether to exercise its powers under subsection (1), the court must have regard to all the circumstances, including—
any risk that, if the order is not made immediately, P will cause significant harm to the person for whose protection the order would be made,
in a case where an application for the order has been made, whether it is likely that the person making the application will be deterred or prevented from pursuing the application if an order is not made immediately, and
whether there is reason to believe that—
P is aware of the proceedings but is deliberately evading service, and
the delay involved in effecting substituted service will cause serious prejudice to the person for whose protection the order would be made.
If a court makes an order against a person by virtue of subsection (1), it must give the person an opportunity to make representations about the order—
as soon as just and convenient, and
at a hearing of which notice has been given to all the parties in accordance with rules of court.
A court may by a domestic abuse protection order impose any requirements that the court considers necessary to protect the person for whose protection the order is made from domestic abuse or the risk of domestic abuse. “Requirement” includes any prohibition or restriction.
The court must, in particular, consider what requirements (if any) may be necessary to protect the person for whose protection the order is made from different kinds of abusive behaviour.
Subsections (4) to (6) contain examples of the type of provision that may be made under subsection (1), but they do not limit the type of provision that may be so made.
A domestic abuse protection order may provide that the person against whom the order is made (“P”)— “Specified” means specified in the order.
may not contact the person for whose protection it is made;
may not come within a specified distance of any premises in England or Wales in which that person lives;
may not come within a specified distance of any other specified premises, or any other premises of a specified description, in England or Wales.
If P lives in premises in England or Wales in which the person for whose protection the order is made also lives, the order may contain provision—
prohibiting P from evicting or excluding that person from the premises;
prohibiting P from entering the premises;
requiring P to leave the premises.
A domestic abuse protection order may require P to submit to electronic monitoring in England and Wales of P's compliance with other requirements imposed by the order. In this Part a requirement imposed by virtue of this subsection is referred to as an “electronic monitoring requirement”.
Sections 36 and 37 contain further provision about the requirements that may be imposed by a domestic abuse protection order.
Requirements imposed on a person by a domestic abuse protection order must, so far as practicable, be such as to avoid—
conflict with the person's religious beliefs;
interference with the person's work or with the person's attendance at an educational establishment;
conflict with the requirements of any other court order or injunction to which the person may be subject.
A domestic abuse protection order that imposes a requirement to do something on a person (“P”) must specify the person who is to be responsible for supervising compliance with that requirement.
Before including such a requirement in a domestic abuse protection order, the court must receive evidence about its suitability and enforceability from the person to be specified under subsection (2).
Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply in relation to electronic monitoring requirements (see instead section 37(3) to (6)).
It is the duty of a person specified under subsection (2)—
to make any necessary arrangements in connection with the requirements for which the person has responsibility (the “relevant requirements”);
to promote P's compliance with the relevant requirements;
if the person considers that— to inform the appropriate chief officer of police.
P has complied with all the relevant requirements, or
P has failed to comply with a relevant requirement,
In subsection (5)(c) the “appropriate chief officer of police” means—
the chief officer of police of the force maintained for the police area in which it appears to the person specified under subsection (2) that P resides,
if it appears to that person that P resides in more than one police area, whichever one of the relevant chief officers of police the person thinks it most appropriate to inform, or
if it appears to the person specified under subsection (2) that P does not reside in any police area, the chief officer of police of the force maintained for the police area in which the court that made the order is situated.
A person (“P”) who is subject to a requirement imposed by a domestic abuse protection order— These obligations have effect as requirements of the order.
must keep in touch with the person specified under subsection (2) in relation to that requirement, in accordance with any instructions given by that person from time to time;
if P changes home address, must notify the person specified under subsection (2) of the new home address;
if P ceases to have any home address, must notify the person specified under subsection (2) of that fact.
Subsections (2) to (4) apply for the purpose of determining whether a court may impose an electronic monitoring requirement on a person (“P”) in a domestic abuse protection order.
The requirement may not be imposed in P's absence.
If there is a person (other than P) without whose co-operation it would be impracticable to secure the monitoring in question, the requirement may not be imposed without that person's consent.
The court may impose the requirement only if—
it has been notified by the Secretary of State that electronic monitoring arrangements are available in the relevant area, and
it is satisfied that the necessary provision can be made under the arrangements currently available.
In subsection (4)(a) “the relevant area” means— “Specified” means specified in the order.
the local justice area in which it appears to the court that P resides or will reside, and
in a case where it is proposed to include in the order— the local justice area in which the place or area proposed to be specified is situated.
a requirement that P must remain, for specified periods, at a specified place, or
a provision prohibiting P from entering a specified place or area,
A domestic abuse protection order that includes an electronic monitoring requirement must specify the person who is to be responsible for the monitoring.
The person specified under subsection (6) (“the responsible person”) must be of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
Where a domestic abuse protection order imposes an electronic monitoring requirement on a person, the person must (among other things)— These obligations have effect as requirements of the order.
submit, as required from time to time by the responsible person, to—
being fitted with, or the installation of, any necessary apparatus, and
the inspection or repair of any apparatus fitted or installed for the purposes of the monitoring,
not interfere with, or with the working of, any apparatus fitted or installed for the purposes of the monitoring, and
take any steps required by the responsible person for the purpose of keeping in working order any apparatus fitted or installed for the purposes of the monitoring.
A domestic abuse protection order takes effect on the day on which it is made. This is subject to subsection (2).
If, on the day on which a domestic abuse protection order (“the new order”) is made against a person, the person is subject to another domestic abuse protection order (“the previous order”), the new order may be made so as to take effect on the previous order ceasing to have effect.
A domestic abuse protection order has effect— “Specified” means specified in the order.
for a specified period,
until the occurrence of a specified event, or
until further order.
A domestic abuse protection order may also specify periods for which particular requirements imposed by the order have effect.
But a domestic abuse protection order may not provide for an electronic monitoring requirement to have effect for more than 12 months.
Subsection (5) is subject to any variation of the order under section 44.
A requirement imposed by a domestic abuse protection order has effect in all parts of the United Kingdom unless expressly limited to a particular locality.
A person who is subject to a domestic abuse protection order commits an offence if without reasonable excuse the person fails to comply with any requirement imposed by the order.
In a case where the order was made against the person without that person being given notice of the proceedings, the person commits an offence under this section only in respect of behaviour engaged in at a time when the person was aware of the existence of the order. (See also section 45(8) and (9), which makes similar provision where an order has been varied.)
Where a person is convicted of an offence under this section in respect of any behaviour, that behaviour is not punishable as a contempt of court.
A person may not be convicted of an offence under this section in respect of any behaviour which has been punished as a contempt of court.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
on summary conviction— or both;
to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court (or 6 months, if the offence was committed before 2 May 2022), or
to a fine,
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine, or both.
If a person is convicted of an offence under this section, it is not open to the court by or before which the person is convicted to make, in respect of the offence, an order under section 80 of the Sentencing Code (conditional discharge).
If a person is convicted of an offence under section 42 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 as respects which the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales (within the meaning given by that section) is an offence under this section, it is not open to the service court that convicted the person to make, in respect of the offence, an order under section 185 of that Act (conditional discharge). In this subsection “service court” means the Court Martial or the Service Civilian Court.
In proceedings for an offence under this section, a copy of the original domestic abuse protection order, certified by the proper officer of the court that made it, is admissible as evidence of its having been made and of its contents to the same extent that oral evidence of those matters is admissible in those proceedings.
This section applies where a relevant court has made a domestic abuse protection order against a person (“P”).
In this section “relevant court” means—
the High Court,
the family court, or
the county court.
A person mentioned in subsection (4) may apply to the relevant judge for the issue of a warrant for P's arrest if the person considers that P has failed to comply with the order or is otherwise in contempt of court in relation to the order.
The persons referred to in subsection (3) are—
the person for whose protection the order was made;
where the order was made under section 28, the person who applied for the order (if different);
any other person with the leave of the relevant judge.
The relevant judge may issue a warrant on an application under subsection (3) only if—
the application is substantiated on oath, and
the relevant judge has reasonable grounds for believing that P has failed to comply with the order or is otherwise in contempt of court in relation to the order.
If— the court may remand P.
P is brought before a relevant court as a result of a warrant issued under this section, and
the court does not immediately dispose of the matter,
Schedule 1 contains further provision about remand under this section.
In this section “the relevant judge” means—
where the order was made by the High Court, a judge of that court;
where the order was made by the family court, a judge of that court;
where the order was made by the county court, a judge of that court.
For the power of a constable to arrest P without warrant for breach of a domestic abuse protection order, see section 24 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Subsections (2) to (6) apply where a person is subject to a domestic abuse protection order.
The person must, within the period of three days beginning with the day on which the order is made, notify the police of the information in subsection (3).
The information referred to in subsection (2) is—
the person's name and, if the person uses one or more other names, each of those names;
the person's home address.
If the person uses a name which has not been notified under this section, the person must, within the period of three days beginning with the day on which the person first uses that name, notify the police of that name.
If the person changes home address, the person must, before the end of the period of three days beginning with the day on which that happens, notify the police of the new home address.
If the person ceases to have any home address, the person must, before the end of the period of three days beginning with the day on which that happens, notify the police of that fact.
The Secretary of State may by regulations specify further notification requirements which a court may impose when making or varying a domestic abuse protection order. In this subsection a “notification requirement” is a requirement for the person against whom the order is made to provide specified information to the police.
The requirements imposed by subsections (2) to (6) do not apply where—
the person is subject to another domestic abuse protection order (and accordingly those requirements already apply), or
the person is subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 or section 9 of the Stalking Protection Act 2019.
If on any day the person ceases to be subject to any notification requirements as mentioned in subsection (8)(a) or (b), the requirements imposed by subsections (2) to (6) apply to the person on and after that day, but as if the reference in subsection (2) to the day on which the order was made were a reference to that day.
For provision about how to give a notification under subsection (2), (4), (5) or (6), see section 42.
A person gives a notification under section 41(2), (4), (5) or (6) by—
attending at a police station in the appropriate police area, and
giving an oral notification to—
a police officer, or
any person authorised for the purpose by the officer in charge of the station.
In subsection (1) “the appropriate police area”, in relation to a person, means—
if the person's home address is in England and Wales, the police area in which that home address is situated;
if the person does not have a home address in England and Wales, the police area in which the court that last made a domestic abuse protection order against the person is situated.
In a case of a person giving a notification under section 41(5), any reference in subsection (2) to the person's home address is a reference to the person's home address at the time of giving the notification.
A notification given in accordance with this section must be acknowledged—
in writing, and
in the form directed by the Secretary of State.
When a person (“P”) gives a notification under section 41, P must, if requested to do so by the person to whom notification is given, allow that person to do any of the following things—
take P's fingerprints;
photograph, or otherwise produce an image of, P or any part of P.
The power in subsection (5) is exercisable for the purpose of verifying P's identity.
A person (“P”) commits an offence if P—
fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement imposed by or under section 41, or
notifies the police, in purported compliance with such a requirement, of any information which P knows to be false.
A person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 42(5) commits an offence.
A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable—
on summary conviction— or both;
to imprisonment for a period not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court (or 6 months, if the offence was committed before the 2 May 2022), or
to a fine,
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine, or both.
A person commits an offence under subsection (1)(a) on the day on which the person first fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement imposed by or under section 41.
The person continues to commit the offence throughout any period during which the failure continues.
But the person may not be prosecuted more than once in respect of the same failure.
A court may vary or discharge a domestic abuse protection order made by that or any other court. This is subject to section 45.
A court may vary or discharge a domestic abuse protection order under this section—
on the application of a person mentioned in subsection (3), or
in any case in which it could make a domestic abuse protection order under section 31.
The persons referred to in subsection (2)(a) are—
the person for whose protection the order was made;
the person against whom the order was made (“P”);
where the order was made under section 28, the person who applied for the order;
the chief officer of police of the force maintained for any police area in which P resides;
the chief officer of police of any other force maintained for a police area who believes that P is in that police area or is intending to come to it.
Before deciding whether to vary or discharge an order under this section, the court must hear from—
any relevant chief officer of police who wishes to be heard, and
in a case where the person for whose protection the order was made is seeking to discharge the order, or to remove or make less onerous any requirement imposed by the order, the person for whose protection it was made.
For the purposes of subsection (4)(a) each of the following is a “relevant chief officer of police”—
where the order was made on an application by a chief officer of police, that chief officer;
the chief officer of police of the force maintained for any police area in which P resides;
the chief officer of police of any other force maintained for a police area who believes that P is in that police area or is intending to come to it.
Section 33 (matters to be considered before making an order) applies in relation to the variation or discharge of a domestic abuse protection order as it applies in relation to the making of such an order, but as if references to the person for whose protection the order would be made were references to the person for whose protection the order was made.
Section 34 (making of orders without notice) applies in relation to the variation of a domestic abuse protection order as it applies in relation to the making of such an order, but as if—
references to the person for whose protection the order would be made were references to the person for whose protection the order was made,
subsection (2) were omitted, and
the reference in subsection (4) to making representations about the order were a reference to making representations about the variation.
The court may make any order varying or discharging a domestic abuse protection order that it considers appropriate. This is subject to subsections (9) to (13).
The court may include an additional requirement in the order, or extend the period for which the order, or a requirement imposed by the order, has effect, only if it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to protect the person for whose protection the order was made from domestic abuse, or the risk of domestic abuse, carried out by P.
The court may not extend the period for which an electronic monitoring requirement has effect by more than 12 months at a time.
The court may remove any requirement imposed by the order, or make such a requirement less onerous, only if satisfied that the requirement as imposed is no longer necessary to protect the person for whose protection the order was made from domestic abuse, or the risk of domestic abuse, carried out by P.
If it appears to the court that any conditions necessary for a requirement to be imposed are no longer met, the court—
may not extend the requirement, and
must remove the requirement.
The court may discharge the order only if satisfied that the order is no longer necessary to protect the person for whose protection it was made from domestic abuse, or the risk of domestic abuse, carried out by P.
Any application to vary or discharge a domestic abuse protection order under section 44 must be made to the court that made the order. This is subject to subsections (2) and (3).
Where the order was made by a magistrates' court, an application to vary or discharge the order may be made to any other magistrates' court acting in the local justice area in which that court acts.
Where— any application to vary or discharge the order must be made to the court by or before which the person was convicted (but see subsection (4)).
the order was made under section 31 on an appeal in relation to a person's conviction or sentence for an offence, or
the order was made by a court under that section against a person committed or remitted to that court for sentencing for an offence,
Where the person mentioned in subsection (3)(b) was convicted by a youth court, the reference in subsection (3) to the court by or before which the person was convicted is to be read as a reference to a magistrates' court acting in the local justice area in which the youth court acts.
Except as provided for by subsection (3), a domestic abuse protection order made by the Crown Court may be varied or discharged under section 44 only by the Crown Court.
A domestic abuse protection order made by the High Court may be varied or discharged under section 44 only by the High Court.
An order that has been varied under section 44 remains an order of the court that first made it for the purposes of any further application under that section.
Subsection (9) applies in a case where—
an order made against a person is varied under section 44 so as to include an additional requirement, or to extend the period for which the order, or a requirement imposed by the order, has effect, and
the person was not given notice of the proceedings.
The person commits an offence under section 39 only if—
the behaviour constituting the offence was engaged in at a time when the person was aware of the making of the variation, and
the behaviour would not have constituted an offence under that section in the absence of the variation.
A person listed in subsection (2) may appeal against any decision of a court on an application for a domestic abuse protection order under section 28 (to the extent that it would not otherwise be so appealable).
The persons referred to in subsection (1) are—
the person for whose protection the order was sought,
the person who applied for the order (if different), and
where the court made a domestic abuse protection order under section 28, the person against whom it was made.
A person against whom a domestic abuse protection order is made under subsection (3), (5) or (6) of section 31 may appeal against the making of the order (to the extent it would not otherwise be so appealable) as if it were a sentence passed on the person for the offence referred to in that subsection (assuming, in a case within section 31(5) or (6), that the person had been convicted of the offence).
A person against whom a domestic abuse protection order is made may appeal against a variation of the order under section 44 that is made in a case within subsection (3), (5) or (6) of section 31 (to the extent it would not otherwise be so appealable) as if the varied order were a sentence passed on the person for the offence referred to in that subsection (assuming, in a case within section 31(5) or (6), that the person had been convicted of the offence).
A person listed in subsection (6) may appeal against any decision of a court under section 44 in relation to a domestic abuse protection order (to the extent it would not otherwise be so appealable, whether under subsection (4) or otherwise).
The persons referred to in subsection (5) are—
the person for whose protection the order was made;
the person against whom the order was made (“P”);
where the order was made under section 28, the person who applied for the order;
the chief officer of police of the force maintained for any police area in which P resides;
the chief officer of police of any other force maintained for a police area who believes that P is in that police area or is intending to come to it.
An appeal arising by virtue of subsection (1) or (5)— For the powers of the Crown Court or Court of Appeal on such an appeal, see section 47(4).
in the case of a decision made by a magistrates' court, is to be made to the Crown Court;
in the case of a decision made by the Crown Court, is to be made to the Court of Appeal.
If, in the case of an appeal arising by virtue of subsection (1) or (5) in respect of a decision made by the High Court, the family court or the county court, the person making the appeal was not a party to the proceedings in that court, the person is to be treated for the purposes of that appeal as if the person had been a party to those proceedings.
For further provision about appeals, see (in particular)—
section 31K of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (appeals from the family court),
section 16(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 (appeals from the High Court),
section 77 of the County Courts Act 1984 (appeals from the county court),
section 108(3) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (appeals against orders made on conviction in a magistrates' court),
section 50(1) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (appeals against orders made on conviction in the Crown Court), and
rules of court.
Before determining any appeal relating to a domestic abuse protection order (whether or not an appeal under section 46), the court must hear from any relevant chief officer of police who wishes to be heard.
For the purposes of subsection (1) each of the following is a “relevant chief officer of police”—
where the order was made on an application by a chief officer of police, that chief officer;
the chief officer of police of the force maintained for any police area in which the person (“P”) against whom the order was made, or (in the case of an appeal against the decision of a court not to make an order under section 28) against whom it was sought, resides;
the chief officer of police of any other force maintained for a police area who believes that P is in that police area or is intending to come to it.
Subsection (4) applies to—
an appeal made to the Crown Court by virtue of section 46(7)(a);
an appeal made to the Court of Appeal by virtue of section 46(7)(b).
On an appeal to which this subsection applies, the court may, on a review of the decision appealed against—
confirm, vary or revoke any part of the decision;
refer the matter back to the court that made the decision with a direction to reconsider and make a new decision in accordance with its ruling;
make any order which the court that made the decision appealed against could have made;
make any incidental or consequential orders that appear to it to be just.
For the purposes of section 45 (variation and discharge: supplementary)—
a domestic abuse protection order that has been confirmed or varied on an appeal (whether under subsection (4)(a) or otherwise) remains an order of the court that first made it, and
a domestic abuse protection order made by a court on an appeal (whether under subsection (4)(c) or otherwise) is to be treated as an order made by the court whose decision was appealed against.
Proceedings before a court arising by virtue of section 31(3), (5) or (6), and proceedings before a court arising by virtue of section 44(2)(b) in any case within section 31(3), (5) or (6), are civil proceedings (like proceedings before a magistrates' court under section 28 or 44(2)(a)).
The court is not restricted in the proceedings to considering evidence that would have been admissible in the criminal proceedings in which the person concerned was convicted or (as the case may be) acquitted.
The court may adjourn any proceedings arising by virtue of section 31(3), (5) or (6), or any proceedings arising by virtue of section 44(2)(b) in any case within section 31(3), (5) or (6), even after sentencing or acquitting the person concerned or allowing the person's appeal.
A domestic abuse protection order may be made or varied in addition to an order discharging the person conditionally or absolutely in spite of anything in sections 79, 80 and 82 of the Sentencing Code (which relate to orders discharging a person conditionally or absolutely and their effect).
Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (special measures directions in case of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses) applies to relevant proceedings under this Part as it applies to criminal proceedings, but with—
the omission of the provisions of that Act mentioned in subsection (2) (which make provision only in the context of criminal proceedings), and
any other necessary modifications.
The provisions are—
section 17(4) to (7);
section 21(4C)(e);
section 22A;
section 32.
Rules of court made under or for the purposes of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of that Act apply to relevant proceedings under this Part—
to the extent provided by rules of court, and
subject to any modifications provided by rules of court.
Section 47 of that Act (restrictions on reporting special measures directions etc) applies with any necessary modifications— Sections 49 and 51 of that Act (offences) apply accordingly.
to a direction under section 19 of that Act as applied by this section;
to a direction discharging or varying such a direction.
In this section “relevant proceedings under this Part” means—
proceedings under section 28, 31(2) or (7), 40 or 44(2)(a);
proceedings arising by virtue of section 31(3), (5) or (6);
proceedings arising by virtue of section 44(2)(b) in any case within section 31(3), (5) or (6);
proceedings on an appeal relating to a domestic abuse protection order (whether or not an appeal under section 46).
The Secretary of State must issue guidance relating to the exercise by relevant persons of functions under or by virtue of this Part.
In this section “relevant person” means—
a constable;
a person specified in regulations under subsection (2)(c) of section 28 for the purpose of making applications for orders under that section.
A relevant person must have regard to any guidance issued under this section when exercising a function to which the guidance relates.
The Secretary of State may from time to time revise any guidance issued under this section.
Before issuing or revising guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
Subsection (5) does not apply in relation to any revisions of guidance issued under this section if the Secretary of State considers the proposed revisions of the guidance are insubstantial.
The Secretary of State must publish—
any guidance issued under this section, and
any revisions of that guidance.
The Secretary of State must issue a code of practice relating to the processing of data gathered in the course of electronic monitoring of individuals under electronic monitoring requirements imposed by domestic abuse protection orders.
A failure to act in accordance with a code issued under this section does not of itself make a person liable to any criminal or civil proceedings.
In section 8 of the Children Act 1989 (child arrangements orders and other orders with respect to children), in subsection (4), at the end insert—
In Part 4 of the Family Law Act 1996 (family homes and domestic violence), in section 63(2) (definition of “family proceedings”), after paragraph (j) insert—
In section 58A of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (conditional fee agreements: supplementary), in subsection (2), after paragraph (fd) (but before the “and” following it) insert—.
The Sentencing Code is amended as follows.
In section 80 (order for conditional discharge), in subsection (3), at the end insert—
In Chapter 6 of Part 11 (other behaviour orders), before section 379 (but after the heading “Other orders”) insert—
In the Crime and Security Act 2010, omit sections 24 to 33 (which make provision for domestic violence protection notices and domestic violence protection orders).
In consequence of the repeal made by subsection (1), omit the following provisions—
in Schedule 8 to the Crime and Courts Act 2013, paragraph 179;
in Schedule 14 to the Policing and Crime Act 2017, paragraph 7(g).
In this Part—
an immigration officer or other official of the Secretary of State exercising functions in relation to immigration or asylum.
“domestic abuse protection order” has the meaning given by section 27(1);
Any reference to a member of a police force includes, in the case of a police force maintained by a local policing body, a reference to a special constable appointed by the chief officer of police of that force.
Any reference to changing home address includes a reference to a case where—
a person acquires a home address at any time, and
immediately before that time, the person did not have a home address.
See also—
section 1 (definition of “domestic abuse”);
section 2 (definition of “personally connected”).
A chief officer of police of a police force maintained for a police area must ensure that arrangements are in place to secure the objective in subsection (2).
The objective is that, if a member of the force has reasonable grounds to believe that a child who resides in the police area may be a victim of domestic abuse, any relevant educational establishment is notified as soon as is reasonably practicable except in such circumstances as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
For the purposes of this section, each of the following is a relevant educational establishment in relation to a child—
a school at which the child is a registered pupil;
if the child is not a registered pupil at a school—
if the child is receiving education at only one educational establishment, that establishment;
if the child is receiving education at more than one educational establishment, such one or more of those establishments as is determined in accordance with the arrangements in place under subsection (1) for the police area in which the child resides.
In this section—
The Secretary of State may by regulations amend section 49A so that the objective in subsection (2) of that section applies in relation to childcare providers, or childcare providers of particular descriptions, as it applies in relation to relevant educational establishments.
In this section—
Each relevant local authority in England must—
assess, or make arrangements for the assessment of, the need for accommodation-based support in its area,
prepare and publish a strategy for the provision of such support in its area, and
monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy.
For the purposes of subsection (1)—
A relevant local authority that publishes a strategy under this section must, in carrying out its functions, give effect to the strategy.
Before publishing a strategy under this section, a relevant local authority must consult—
the domestic abuse local partnership board appointed by the relevant local authority under section 58,
any local authority for an area within the relevant local authority's area, and
such other persons as the relevant local authority considers appropriate.
A relevant local authority that publishes a strategy under this section—
must keep the strategy under review,
must keep under review any effect of the strategy on the provision of other local authority support in its area,
may alter or replace the strategy, and
must publish any altered or replacement strategy.
In this section “other local authority support”, in relation to a local authority, means support, in relation to domestic abuse, that— other than accommodation-based support (within the meaning of subsection (2)).
is provided to victims of domestic abuse or their children, and
is provided or funded by the local authority,
A relevant local authority may request any local authority for an area within the relevant local authority's area to co-operate with it in any way that the relevant local authority considers necessary for the purposes of its functions under this section.
A local authority must, so far as reasonably practicable, comply with a request made to it under subsection (7).
The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the preparation and publication of strategies under this section.
The power to make regulations under subsection (9) may, in particular, be exercised to make provision about—
the procedure to be followed by a relevant local authority in preparing a strategy;
matters to which a relevant local authority must have regard in preparing a strategy;
how a relevant local authority must publish a strategy;
the date by which a relevant local authority must first publish a strategy;
the frequency with which a relevant local authority must review its strategy or any effect of the strategy on the provision of other local authority support in its area.
Before making regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
the Domestic Abuse Commissioner,
relevant local authorities, and
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
A relevant local authority in England must appoint a domestic abuse local partnership board for the purposes of providing advice to the authority about—
the exercise of the authority's functions under section 57, and
the provision of other local authority support in the authority's area.
The members of the domestic abuse local partnership board must include—
a representative of the relevant local authority;
at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of local authorities for areas within its area;
at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of victims of domestic abuse;
at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of children of domestic abuse victims;
at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of charities and other voluntary organisations that work with victims of domestic abuse in its area;
at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of persons who provide, or have functions relating to, health care services in its area;
at least one person appearing to the authority to represent the interests of persons with functions relating to policing or criminal justice in its area.
In this section—
As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, a relevant local authority in England must submit to the Secretary of State an annual report in relation to the exercise of the authority's functions under this Part during the year.
The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—
the form of the report, and
the content of the report.
In this section “financial year” means—
the period beginning with the day on which this section comes into force and ending with the following 31 March, and
each successive period of 12 months.
The Secretary of State must issue guidance relating to the exercise by local authorities in England of functions under this Part.
Local authorities in England must have regard to the guidance when exercising a function to which the guidance relates.
The Secretary of State may from time to time revise any guidance issued under this section.
Before issuing or revising guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
the Domestic Abuse Commissioner,
local authorities, and
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to any revisions of guidance issued under this section if the Secretary of State considers the proposed revisions of the guidance are insubstantial.
The Secretary of State must publish—
any guidance issued under this section, and
any revisions of that guidance.
In this Part—
Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (giving of evidence or information for purposes of criminal proceedings: special measures directions in case of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses) is amended as follows.
In section 17 (witnesses eligible for assistance on grounds of fear or distress about testifying)—
in subsection (4), for “a sexual offence or an offence under section 1 or 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015” substitute “ an offence listed in subsection (4A) ”;
after subsection (4) insert—
In section 25(4)(a) (evidence given in private), for “a sexual offence or an offence under section 1 or 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015” substitute “ an offence listed in section 17(4A) ”.
This section applies where rules of court provide that the court may make a special measures direction in relation to a person (“P”) who is a party or witness in family proceedings.
Rules of court must provide that where P is, or is at risk of being, a victim of domestic abuse carried out by a person listed in subsection (3), it is to be assumed that the following matters are likely to be diminished by reason of vulnerability—
the quality of P's evidence;
where P is a party to the proceedings, P's participation in the proceedings.
The persons referred to in subsection (2) are—
a party to the proceedings;
a relative of a party to the proceedings (other than P);
a witness in the proceedings.
Rules of court may provide for an exception to the provision made by virtue of subsection (2) where P does not wish to be deemed to be eligible for the making of a special measures direction by virtue of that subsection.
In this section—
Rules of court must make provision enabling the court to make a special measures direction in relation to a person who is a party or witness in civil proceedings where that person—
is, or is at risk of being, a victim of domestic abuse;
is the victim, or alleged victim, of a specified offence.
Rules made by virtue of subsection (1) must, in particular, provide for the court to consider—
whether— is likely to be diminished by reason of vulnerability, and
the quality of the person's evidence, or
where the person is a party to the proceedings, the person's participation in the proceedings,
if so, whether it is necessary to make one or more special measures directions.
For the purposes of this section—
a person is the victim of a specified offence if another person has been convicted of, or given a caution for, the offence;
a person is the alleged victim of a specified offence if another person has been charged with the offence.
In this section—
“country” includes territory;
In the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984, after Part 4A insert—
In the Courts Act 2003, after Part 7 insert—
The Children Act 1989 is amended as follows.
For further provision about orders under this subsection, see section 91A (section 91(14) orders: further provision).
After section 91 insert—
Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship) is amended as follows.
In subsection (1)(b), after “personally connected” insert “ (see subsection (6)) ”.
Omit subsection (2).
For subsection (6) substitute—
In subsection (7), for “subsection (6)” substitute “ subsections (6) and (6A) ”.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress) is amended as follows.
In the heading, after “Disclosing” insert “, or threatening to disclose,”.
For subsection (1) substitute—
In subsection (2)—
after “disclose” insert “, or threaten to disclose,”;
for “the individual mentioned in subsection (1)(a) and (b)” substitute “the relevant individual”.
After subsection (2) insert—
In subsection (4)(a), after “disclosure” insert “, or threat to disclose,”.
In subsection (5)—
in paragraph (a), for “the individual mentioned in subsection (1)(a) and (b)” substitute “the relevant individual”;
in paragraph (b), for “the individual mentioned in subsection (1)(a) and (b)” substitute “the relevant individual”.
For subsection (8) substitute—
In section 35 of that Act (meaning of “private” and “sexual”), in subsection (5)(c), for “the person mentioned in section 33(1)(a) and (b)” substitute “the relevant individual (within the meaning of section 33)”.
In Schedule 8 to that Act (disclosing private sexual photographs or films: providers of information society services)—
in the heading, after “Disclosing” insert “, or threatening to disclose,”;
in paragraph 5 (exception for hosting)—
in sub-paragraph (1), after “sub-paragraph (2)” insert “, (2A)”;
in sub-paragraph (2), in the words before paragraph (a), after “if” insert “, in the case of information which consists of or includes a private sexual photograph or film,”;
This sub-paragraph is satisfied if, in the case of information which consists of or includes a threat to disclose a private sexual photograph or film, the service provider had no actual knowledge when the information was provided—
In Part 5 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (protection of children and others), after section 75 insert—
Schedule 2 contains consequential amendments.
This section applies for the purposes of determining whether a person (“D”) who inflicts serious harm on another person (“V”) is guilty of a relevant offence.
It is not a defence that V consented to the infliction of the serious harm for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification (but see subsection (4)).
In this section—
Subsection (2) does not apply in the case of an offence under section 20 or 47 of the 1861 Act where—
the serious harm consists of, or is a result of, the infection of V with a sexually transmitted infection in the course of sexual activity, and
V consented to the sexual activity in the knowledge or belief that D had the sexually transmitted infection.
For the purposes of this section it does not matter whether the harm was inflicted for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification for D, V or some other person.
Nothing in this section affects any enactment or rule of law relating to other circumstances in which a person's consent to the infliction of serious harm may, or may not, be a defence to a relevant offence.
If— the person is guilty in England and Wales of that offence.
a person who is a United Kingdom national or is habitually resident in England and Wales does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom,
the act constitutes an offence under the law in force in that country, and
the act, if done in England and Wales, would constitute an offence to which this subsection applies,
The offences to which subsection (1) applies are—
murder;
manslaughter;
an offence under section 18, 20 or 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (offences relating to bodily harm or injury);
an offence under section 23 or 24 of that Act (administering poison);
an offence under section 1 of the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929 (child destruction).
Subsection (1) does not apply where a person would, in the absence of that subsection, be guilty of an offence of murder or manslaughter under the law of England and Wales.
An act punishable under the law in force in any country constitutes an offence under that law for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) however it is described in that law.
The condition in subsection (1)(b) is to be taken to be met unless, not later than rules of court may provide, the defendant serves on the prosecution a notice—
stating that, on the facts as alleged with respect to the act in question, the condition is not in the defendant's opinion met,
showing the grounds for that opinion, and
requiring the prosecution to prove that it is met.
But the court, if it thinks fit, may permit the defendant to require the prosecution to prove that the condition is met without service of a notice under subsection (5).
In the Crown Court the question whether the condition is met is to be decided by the judge alone.
In this section—
If— the person is guilty in Northern Ireland of that offence.
a person who is a United Kingdom national or is habitually resident in Northern Ireland does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom,
the act constitutes an offence under the law in force in that country, and
the act, if done in Northern Ireland, would constitute an offence to which this subsection applies,
The offences to which subsection (1) applies are—
murder;
manslaughter;
an offence under section 18, 20 or 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (offences relating to bodily harm or injury);
an offence under section 23 or 24 of that Act (administering poison);
an offence under section 25 of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1945 (child destruction).
Subsection (1) does not apply where a person would, in the absence of that subsection, be guilty of an offence of murder or manslaughter under the law of Northern Ireland.
An act punishable under the law in force in any country constitutes an offence under that law for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) however it is described in that law.
The condition in subsection (1)(b) is to be taken to be met unless, not later than rules of court may provide, the defendant serves on the prosecution a notice—
stating that, on the facts as alleged with respect to the act in question, the condition is not in the defendant's opinion met,
showing the grounds for that opinion, and
requiring the prosecution to prove that it is met.
But the court, if it thinks fit, may permit the defendant to require the prosecution to prove that the condition is met without service of a notice under subsection (5).
In the Crown Court the question whether the condition is met is to be decided by the judge alone.
In this section—
“country” includes territory;
The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies to an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Part 1 of Schedule 3 contains amendments to provide for extra-territorial jurisdiction over certain other offences under the law of England and Wales.
Part 2 of Schedule 3 contains amendments to provide for extra-territorial jurisdiction over certain offences under the law of Scotland.
Part 3 of Schedule 3 contains amendments to provide for extra-territorial jurisdiction over certain other offences under the law of Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State must, before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, prepare and publish a document setting out a strategy for—
detecting, investigating and prosecuting offences involving domestic abuse,
assessing and managing the risks posed by individuals who commit offences involving domestic abuse, including (among others) risks associated with stalking, and
reducing the risk that such individuals commit further offences involving domestic abuse.
The Secretary of State—
must keep the strategy under review;
may revise it.
If the Secretary of State revises the strategy, the Secretary of State must publish a document setting out the revised strategy.
In preparing or revising a strategy under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to any revisions of the strategy if the Secretary of State considers the proposed revisions of the strategy are insubstantial.
In this section, the reference to “risks associated with stalking” is to be read in accordance with section 1(4) of the Stalking Protection Act 2019.
In Part 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007 (other provisions about the management of offenders), section 28 (application of polygraph condition) is amended as follows.
In subsection (2), for “a relevant sexual offence” substitute “ an offence within subsection (3A) ”.
In subsection (3)(a), for “for a term of twelve months or more” substitute “ that is not for a term of less than twelve months ”.
After subsection (3) insert—
The Secretary of State must issue guidance to chief officers of police about the disclosure of police information by police forces for the purposes of preventing domestic abuse. “Police information” means information held by a police force.
Each chief officer of police of a police force must have regard to any guidance issued under this section.
The Secretary of State may from time to time revise any guidance issued under this section.
Before issuing or revising guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
the Domestic Abuse Commissioner,
the National Police Chiefs' Council, and
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to any revisions of guidance issued under this section if the Secretary of State considers the proposed revisions of the guidance are insubstantial.
The Secretary of State must publish—
any guidance issued under this section, and
any revisions of that guidance.
In this section—
Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (homelessness: England) is amended as follows.
In section 177 (whether it is reasonable to continue to occupy accommodation)—
in subsection (1), for “domestic violence or other violence” substitute “ violence or domestic abuse ”;
for subsection (1A) substitute—
Omit section 178 (meaning of associated person).
In section 179 (duty of local housing authority in England to provide advisory services), in subsection (5)—
“domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021;
omit the definition of “financial abuse”.
In section 189 (priority need for accommodation)—
in subsection (1), after paragraph (d) insert—;
after subsection (4) insert—
In section 198 (referral of case to another local housing authority)—
in subsection (2), in paragraph (c), for “domestic violence” substitute “ domestic abuse ”;
in subsection (2ZA), in paragraph (b), for “domestic violence” substitute “ domestic abuse ”;
in subsection (2A), in paragraph (a), for “domestic violence” substitute “ violence that is domestic abuse ”;
for subsection (3) substitute—
In section 218 (index of defined expressions: Part 7), in the table, omit the entry relating to section 178.
In article 6 of the Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) (England) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/2051) (vulnerability: fleeing violence or threats of violence)—
the existing text becomes paragraph (1);
after that paragraph insert—
In consequence of the repeal made by subsection (3), omit the following provisions—
in Schedule 8 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004, paragraph 61;
in Schedule 3 to the Adoption and Children Act 2002, paragraphs 89 to 92.
Part 4 of the Housing Act 1985 (secure tenancies and rights of secure tenants) is amended as follows.
After section 81 insert—
In section 81B (cases where old-style English secure tenancies may be granted)—
in subsection (2C)—
“abuse” means—
“domestic abuse” means abuse carried out by a person who is personally connected to the victim of the abuse (within the meaning of section 2 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021);
after subsection (2C) insert—
No person may charge a fee or any other remuneration for the preparation or provision of relevant evidence relating to an assessment of an individual carried out by a relevant health professional in England or Wales under a qualifying medical services contract.
No person may charge a fee or any other remuneration for the preparation or provision of relevant evidence relating to an individual by a relevant health professional in England or Wales if the services provided by the relevant health professional are wholly or mainly services provided under a qualifying medical services contract.
In this section “relevant evidence”, in relation to an individual, means—
evidence that the individual is, or is at risk of being, a victim of domestic abuse which is intended to support an application by the individual for civil legal services, or
any other evidence that the individual is, or is at risk of being, a victim of domestic abuse which is of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
In this section “relevant health professional” means—
a medical practitioner licensed to practise by the General Medical Council;
a health professional registered to practise in the United Kingdom by the Nursing and Midwifery Council;
a paramedic registered to practise in the United Kingdom by the Health and Care Professions Council.
In this section “qualifying medical services contract” means—
in relation to England—
a general medical services contract made under section 84(2) of the National Health Service Act 2006;
any contractual arrangements made under section 83(2) of that Act;
an agreement made under section 92 of that Act;
in relation to Wales—
a general medical services contract made under section 42(2) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006;
any contractual arrangements made under section 41(2)(b) of that Act;
an agreement made under section 50 of that Act.
The appropriate national authority may by regulations amend the definition of—
“relevant health professional”;
“qualifying medical services contract”.
In this section—
Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply in relation to anything done by a relevant health professional before the coming into force of this section.
The Secretary of State must, before the end of the relevant period—
review the processing of domestic abuse data carried out by specified public authorities for immigration purposes,
prepare and publish a report setting out the findings of the review, and
lay a copy of the report before Parliament.
In carrying out the review, the Secretary of State must have regard to the recommendations of the HMIC Report.
In subsection (1), the “relevant period” means the period beginning with the day on which this section comes into force and ending with 30 June 2021 (but see subsection (4)).
The Secretary of State may by regulations extend the relevant period by a further period of up to 6 months.
The power conferred by subsection (4) may be exercised only once.
In this section—
The Secretary of State may issue a code of practice relating to the processing of domestic abuse data for immigration purposes.
A code of practice issued under this section—
must be kept under review;
may be revised or replaced.
A person to whom a code of practice issued under this section applies must have regard to it in processing domestic abuse data for immigration purposes.
In preparing, revising or replacing a code, the Secretary of State must consult—
the Domestic Abuse Commissioner,
the Information Commissioner, and
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
Before issuing a code (or a revised code) under this section, the Secretary of State must lay the code before Parliament.
If, within the 40-day period, either House of Parliament resolves not to approve the code—
the code is not to be issued, and
the Secretary of State may prepare another code.
If no such resolution is passed within the 40-day period, the Secretary of State may issue the code.
In this section, the “40-day period” is the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the code is laid before Parliament (or, if it is not laid before each House of Parliament on the same day, the later of the 2 days on which it is laid).
In calculating the 40-day period, no account is to be taken of any period during which Parliament is dissolved or prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than 4 days.
In this section—
“commanding officer” has the meaning given by section 360 of the Armed Forces Act 2006;
The Secretary of State must, before the end of the relevant period, prepare and publish a report about the extent to which individuals, when they are using contact centres in England, are protected from the risk of domestic abuse or, in the case of children, other harm.
“The relevant period” means the period of 2 years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.
In this section “contact centre” means a place that is used for the facilitation of contact between a child and an individual with whom the child is not, or will not be, living (including the handover of the child to that individual).
The Secretary of State may issue guidance about—
the effect of any provision made by or under—
Parts 1 to 5,
section 68 or 70,
section 72 or Part 1 of Schedule 3,
section 76, 77, 78 or 79, or
section 80 so far as relating to England;
other matters relating to domestic abuse—
in England, and
so far as not relating to Welsh devolved matters, in Wales.
The Secretary of State must, in particular, issue guidance under this section about—
the effect of sections 1 and 2, including guidance as to particular kinds of behaviour that amount to domestic abuse;
the effect of domestic abuse on children.
Any guidance issued under this section must, so far as relevant, take account of the fact that the majority of victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales (excluding children treated as victims by virtue of section 3) are female.
A person exercising public functions to whom guidance issued under this section relates must have regard to it in the exercise of those functions. But nothing in this section permits the Secretary of State to issue guidance to a court or tribunal.
The Secretary of State may from time to time revise any guidance issued under this section.
Before issuing or revising guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
the Domestic Abuse Commissioner,
the Welsh Ministers, so far as the guidance relates to a devolved Welsh authority, and
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
In subsection (6)(b) “devolved Welsh authority” has the meaning given by section 157A of the Government of Wales Act 2006.
Subsection (6) does not apply in relation to any revisions of guidance issued under this section if the Secretary of State considers the proposed revisions of the guidance are insubstantial.
The Secretary of State must publish—
any guidance issued under this section, and
any revisions of that guidance.
For the purposes of this section something relates to Welsh devolved matters so far as it relates to—
any matter provision about which would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru if it were contained in an Act of Senedd Cymru, or
(so far as it is not within paragraph (a)), any matter functions with respect to which are exercisable by the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister for Wales, the Counsel General to the Welsh Government or the Senedd Commission.
The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision that is consequential on any provision made by or under—
Parts 1 to 5,
section 68, ... 70 or 71,
section 72 or Part 1 of Schedule 3, or
section 76, 77, 78, 79, 81 or 82.
The appropriate national authority may by regulations make provision that is consequential on any provision made by or under section 80.
In subsection (2) “the appropriate national authority” means—
in relation to England, the Secretary of State;
in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers.
The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under this section may, in particular, be exercised by amending, repealing, revoking or otherwise modifying any provision made by or under an Act passed before, or in the same session of Parliament as, this Act.
The power of the Welsh Ministers to make regulations under this section may, in particular, be exercised by amending, repealing, revoking or otherwise modifying any provision made by or under primary legislation passed or made before, or in the same session of Parliament as, this Act.
In subsection (5) “primary legislation” means—
an Act of Parliament;
a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales or an Act of Senedd Cymru.
The Secretary of State may by regulations make such transitional or saving provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with the coming into force of any provision of—
Parts 1 to 5,
section 68, ... 70 or 71,
section 72 or 74(1) or Part 1 of Schedule 3, or
any of sections 75 to 79 or 81 to 84.
The appropriate national authority may by regulations make such transitional or saving provision as the authority considers appropriate in connection with the coming into force of section 80.
In subsection (2) “the appropriate national authority” means—
in relation to England, the Secretary of State;
in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers.
The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland may by regulations make such transitional or saving provision as the Department considers appropriate in connection with the coming into force of any provision of section 73 or 74(3) or Part 3 of Schedule 3.
Regulations under this section may (among other things) make any adaptations of provisions of this Act mentioned in subsection (1), (2) or (4) (as the case may be) brought into force that appear to be appropriate in consequence of other provisions of this Act not yet having come into force.
Any power of the Secretary of State, the Lord Chancellor or the Welsh Ministers to make regulations under this Act is exercisable by statutory instrument.
Any power of the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland to make regulations under this Act is exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)).
Regulations under this Act may—
make different provision for different purposes or in relation to different areas;
contain supplementary, incidental, consequential, transitional or saving provision.
Subsection (3) does not apply to regulations under section 90 (see instead subsection (7) of that section).
A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Secretary of State or Lord Chancellor under this Act is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament, unless the instrument—
is required by subsection (6) or any other enactment to be laid in draft before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament, or
contains only regulations under section 20(4), 37(7), 81(4), 86 or 90.
A statutory instrument that contains (with or without other provisions)— may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
regulations under section 41(7),
regulations of the Secretary of State under section 80(6), or
regulations of the Secretary of State under section 85 that amend or repeal any Act,
A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers under this Act is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution made by Senedd Cymru, unless the instrument—
is required by subsection (8) or any other enactment to be laid before, and approved by a resolution of, Senedd Cymru, or
contains only regulations under section 86.
A statutory instrument that contains (with or without other provisions)— may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, Senedd Cymru.
regulations of the Welsh Ministers under section 80(6), or
regulations of the Welsh Ministers under section 85 that amend or repeal primary legislation (within the meaning of section 85(4)),
There is to be paid out of money provided by Parliament—
any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown under or by virtue of this Act, and
any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable under any other Act out of money so provided.
Except as set out below, this Act extends to England and Wales only.
Any amendment or repeal made by Part 2 or 3 or Schedule 2 has the same extent within the United Kingdom as the provision amended or repealed.
Section 74(2) and Part 2 of Schedule 3 extend to Scotland only.
Sections 73 and 74(3) and Part 3 of Schedule 3 extend to Northern Ireland only.
The following provisions extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland—
section 39(7),
sections 81 and 82,
sections 85 to 88,
this section, and
sections 90 and 91.
Section 39(7) and this subsection (and sections 85 to 87, 90 and 91, so far as relating to those provisions) extend to— and the power under section 384(2) of the Armed Forces Act 2006 may be exercised so as to modify section 39(7) as it extends to the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory other than Gibraltar.
the Isle of Man, and
the British overseas territories except Gibraltar;
The power under section 384(1) of the Armed Forces Act 2006 may be exercised so as to extend section 39(7) of this Act to any of the Channel Islands (with or without modifications).
The following provisions of this Act come into force on the day on which this Act is passed—
section 71;
section 75;
section 81;
section 83;
sections 85 to 89, this section and section 91;
any power to make regulations under or by virtue of this Act.
Sections 69, 72 and 74(1) and Part 1 of Schedule 3 come into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.
Section 74(2) and Part 2 of Schedule 3 come into force in accordance with provision contained in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers.
Sections 73 and 74(3) and Part 3 of Schedule 3 come into force in accordance with provision contained in an order made by the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland.
Section 80 comes into force on 1 October 2021.
The remaining provisions of this Act come into force in accordance with provision contained in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
Regulations or an order under this section may make different provision for different purposes or in relation to different areas.
Regulations under this section bringing any provision of Part 3 or section 76 into force only for a specified purpose or in relation to a specified area may—
provide for that provision or section to be in force for that purpose or in relation to that area for a specified period;
make transitional or saving provision relating to that provision or section ceasing to be in force at the end of the specified period.
Regulations containing provision permitted by subsection (8)(a) may be amended by subsequent regulations under this section so as to continue any provision of Part 3 or section 76 in force for the specified purpose or in relation to the specified area for a further specified period.
The power of the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland to make an order under this section is exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)).
Any provision which the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland could make by regulations under section 86 may be made by the Department by an order under this section.
This Act may be cited as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.