The landmark Domestic Abuse Bill has been signed into law after receiving Royal Assent increasing the protection of millions of people who experience domestic abuse and as well as strengthening measures to tackle perpetrators.
The bill will bring for the first time in history a wide-ranging legal definition of domestic abuse which moves past physical violence to include emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour and economic abuse.
The measures include new protections and support for victims ensuring that abusers will no longer be allowed to directly cross-examine their victims in the family and civil courts and giving victims better access to special measures in the courtroom to help prevent intimidation, including protective screens and giving evidence via video link.
Police will now have improved powers which include Domestic Abuse Protection Notices that provide victims with immediate protection from their abusers.
On top of that, courts will now be able to hand out new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to help prevent offending by forcing perpetrators to take steps to change their behaviour, including seeking mental health support or drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
In the last couple of weeks, new measures were added by the Government to further strengthen the law, this included creating a new offence of non-fatal strangulation, extending an offence to cover the threat to disclose intimate images, and clarifying the law to further clamp down on claims of “rough sex gone wrong” in cases involving death or serious injury.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, said: “Today marks a historic moment for victims and survivors of domestic abuse when change is needed the most.
“The act sets out my legal powers which I will use to support all victims across England and Wales by first tackling the ‘postcode lottery’ of services.
“So many campaigners, charities and individuals have worked incredibly hard to make the bill as robust as possible and there is no doubt that the legislation, which now includes non-fatal strangulation as a standalone offence, is much stronger as a result.
“Legislation won’t transform things overnight and we know there is more to do, so and I will work with partners to advocate for further changes.”
You can rely on Knightsbridge Solicitors to support you with your family and relationships. Our experienced team are ready to help you. Contact us today on 0115 824 1700 to arrange a free 30-minute consultation or get more information.