Last amended by Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 in 2024. 4 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 creates a statutory definition of domestic abuse, establishes the office of Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and introduces new protections for victims including Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders, restrictions on cross-examination, and recognition of children as victims.
Key Points
- Statutory definition of domestic abuse covering physical, emotional, coercive/controlling, economic, and sexual abuse (s.1)
- Recognises children who see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse as victims (s.3)
- Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Orders (DAPOs) (Part 3)
- Prohibits perpetrators from cross-examining victims in family proceedings (s.65)
- Special measures in criminal proceedings extended to domestic abuse complainants
- Duty on local authorities in England to provide support in safe accommodation
- Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation made a specific offence (s.75A Serious Crime Act 2015)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2021 — The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No. 9 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2025
34 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2021 — The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2021
19 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2021 — The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No. 4) Regulations 2022
16 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2022 — Health and Care Act 2022
5 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2024 — Victims and Prisoners Act 2024
4 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).