More protection for victims of domestic abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has just been passed and seeks to raise awareness of domestic abuse, improve support and provide extra protection for victims.
According to the policy factsheet published on the Government website, there are sadly 2.3 million victims of domestic abuse each year, of which two thirds are women. Staggeringly one in ten of all offences that the police record relate to domestic abuse.
We all know that domestic abuse is so much more than just physical violence and can include psychological, economic, control and coercion. The new law will create a statutory definition emphasising this.
It is estimated that many of the provisions of the new Act will be introduced in 2021/2022. A new Domestic Abuse Protection Notice and a Domestic Abuse Protection Order will be piloted prior to being fully implemented. The police will be able to issue a Notice providing victims with immediate protection. The courts can make Orders which, in addition to protecting victims, can also include measures to help prevent offending, such as rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse.
We sincerely hope that these steps together with the other measures to be introduced will protect victims who make a stand and seek help to escape the unacceptable position they are in.
At Burley Geach we will be monitoring the implementation of this Act closely to ensure that as and when you need any legal assistance we can provide you with the most up to date advice. For more information about how we can help please visit our website, or contact one of our family solicitors direct if you wish to discuss your circumstances. We offer a free no obligation initial consultation to discuss how we might be able to help you.
