This briefing provides an overview of the family and criminal justice measures in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which completed its journey through Parliament on 29 April 2021. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (DA Act) introduces new measures in the family, criminal and civil courts which are intended to provide protections for victims of domestic abuse. In addition, criminal offences are amended and a new offence is created by the DA Act. Other sections of the DA Act not covered in this briefing include the creation of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner and provisions in relation to housing duties.

 The aim of this briefing is to provide information to practitioners on measures in the DA Act relating to criminal, civil and family law. It will give practical guidance on provisions as appropriate.

At the time of writing (December 2022) not all of the provisions of the DA Act are in force. If provisions are not yet in force, this is stated below. You can check the commencement schedule for details of when different parts of the DA Act have come into force.

See here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-act-2021- commencement-schedule/domestic-abuse-act-2021-commencement-schedule

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This briefing is created by Rights of Women.

It is produced by funding from London Councils for the Ascent Support Services to Organisations project. 

About Ascent

Ascent is a partnership project undertaken by the London Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Consortium, delivering a range of services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, under six themes, funded by London Councils. The second tier support project aims to address the long term sustainability needs of organisations providing services to those affected by sexual and domestic violence. The project seeks to improve the quality of such services across London by providing a range of training and support. 

Women’s Resource Centre is the lead partner in the Support Services Strand where we work together with 5 partner organisations:

Rights of Women

Respect

Women and Girls Network

Against Violence and Abuse (AVA)

Imkaan

Find out more about the Ascent project here.