The Domestic Abuse Act

On 29 April 2021, the Domestic Abuse Act became law.

The Act creates, for the first time, a legal definition of domestic abuse, to ensure that domestic abuse is properly understood, considered unacceptable and actively challenged across statutory agencies and in public attitudes.

The new statutory definition

The definition of domestic abuse is in two parts. The first part deals with the relationship between the abuser and the abused. The second part defines what constitutes abusive behaviour.

The criteria governing the relationship between the abuser and the abused:

•  both the person who is carrying out the behaviour and the person to whom the behaviour is directed towards must be aged 16 or over
• both persons must be “personally connected” (including ex-partners and family members)
• Abusive behaviour directed at a person under 16 would be dealt with as child abuse rather than domestic abuse

Behaviour is to be regarded as ‘abusive’ if it consists of any of the following:

• physical or sexual abuse
• violent or threatening behaviour
• controlling or coercive behaviour
• economic abuse
• psychological, emotional or other abuse

The Act recognises a child who sees or hears or experiences domestic, the effects of the abuse and treats them as victims of domestic abuse where they are related to either the abuser or the abused.

The Act includes a new statutory duty on local authorities to deliver accommodation-based support to victims of domestic abuse.

The Act introduced other measures to protect and support victims. Including a new Domestic Abuse Protection Notice and Order, as well as improving the criminal justice response by, for example, preventing the cross-examination of victims in family court proceedings by the abuser.

The Act also creates the National Domestic Abuse Commissioner role. This is an ‘independent voice’ that speaks on behalf of victims and survivors. Using the Act’s statutory powers, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner will raise public awareness and hold both agencies and the Government to account in tackling domestic abuse.

For more information, visit Domestic Abuse Act.

Somerset Domestic Abuse Service

Somerset’s domestic abuse services are open to anyone of any age who needs specialist support. This can include all types of relationships, regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, disability, sexuality, lifestyle, nationality or age. It’s important to remember that couples counselling is not recommended and could be dangerous. Instead, it’s always best to speak to a specialist service, such as Somerset Domestic Abuse Service or Victim Support. 

Help for under 18s

If you or someone in your family is being abused at home, tell someone you can trust like a teacher or a friend or even their parents. You won’t get into trouble for telling someone.

Children and Young people can contact the service for support. They can also call Childline. They will be able to help you deal with the situation and won’t tell anyone else you are calling unless you are in immediate danger. 

Support

The service provides specialist advice, including financial and legal support, help accessing benefits, support into work and establishing Independent financial arrangements. 

In addition, they can advise on personal security measures that may be available and supporting with a safety plan. 

Help for a housing association tenant

Speak to your landlord and let them know the situation. They may be able to help you along with other support agencies and possibly the Police. If you want to remain in your house, they may be able to help by carrying out safety work to your home, for example, fitting secure doors, changing locks, securing windows and fireproof letter boxes.

Working with the council

If you are unable to remain in your home and have been unable to get a Refuge placement, please contact us. You will need to provide us with some information about you and your situation and usually some supporting evidence. This will allow us to understand your circumstances and provide appropriate advice and guidance. You may be offered emergency accommodation whilst waiting for a Refuge placement where you will be safer and can get support planning your next step.

What you can do if you think it is happening to a friend

For people suffering domestic abuse, the support of a trusted friend can be invaluable. It is important that the person knows you believe them and that they are not alone. Try not to judge or blame either party. Encourage your friend to contact one of the agencies who can help. If you witness an assault, phone the police. Do not intervene physically.

As well as the police, the Domestic Abuse Service offer support and practical advice. The service is confidential, non-judgemental and completely free.   

Find out more at Supporting someone (somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk) 

Training on recognising the signs and supporting someone who is experiencing domestic abuse is also available here: Vue App (somersetsurvivors.co.uk) 

In an emergency always dial 999. 

Somerset Domestic Abuse Service

The support line 0800 694 9999 is a single point of contact for confidential advice and support to any person concerned about domestic abuse in the Avon and Somerset area. 

You can speak to someone, in confidence, by phone on the local support helpline (0800 694 9999) and select the option for Somerset. If no one can answer your call, leave a number and a safe time to call and they will get back to you. 

For more information and to find out what services are available, please visit the Somerset Domestic Abuse website.

The Somerset Domestic Abuse website provides information, help and support for anyone affected by domestic abuse in Somerset, including a directory of local and national services.

For perpetrators of Domestic Abuse

Anger management is not recommended and could actually be dangerous.

For people who want help to change their controlling behaviour, Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) offers a voluntary, behavioural change group work programme.
This programme encourages people to take responsibility for their behaviour and understand the impact on their partner and children.
For more information, phone SIDAS Perpetrator Programme on 0800 694 9999 or for other support contact Respect on 0845 122 8609

Downloads

• • Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategy 2021 – 2024 (PDF 836 KB)
  • Domestic Abuse Poster (PDF 88.5 KB)
  • Domestic Abuse Poster –  Latvian version (PDF 1.22 MB)
  • Domestic Abuse Leaflet –  Lithuanian version (PDF 202 KB)
  • Domestic Abuse Poster – Lithuanian version (PDF 138 KB)
  • Domestic Abuse Leaflet – Polish version (PDF 155 KB)
  • Domestic Abuse Poster – Polish version (PDF 155 KB)