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The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides the legal (statutory) definition of domestic abuse in England and Wales.
Domestic abuse is defined as any behaviour by one person towards another person that is abusive, where both people are aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other (for example, intimate partners, ex-partners, or family members), regardless of gender or sexuality.
The act makes clear that domestic abuse can be a single incident or a pattern of behaviour, and that abuse can take many forms.
Types of domestic abuse
Abusive behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse (is specifically recognised in law and includes behaviour that affects a person’s ability to acquire, use or maintain money, property, or services.)
- psychological, emotional or other abuse
Who is included under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
Under the Act, people are considered 'personally connected' if they:
- are or have been married or in a civil partnership
- are or have been in an intimate relationship
- share parental responsibility for a child
- are relatives (including step and in-law relationships)
Children and domestic abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises that children are victims of domestic abuse in their own right if they see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse between others.
Read the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
Controlling and coercive behaviour
Controlling and coercive behaviour is a key feature of domestic abuse and may include:
- acts designed to make someone dependent or subordinate, for example by isolating them from support networks or controlling their daily activities
- exploiting financial or personal resources
- threats, intimidation, humiliation or assault used to harm, punish or frighten the victim
Inclusive definition
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, or background.
It includes a wide range of behaviours, and encompasses forms of abuse such as so-called ‘honour’-based abuse, forced marriage, and other culturally specific harms (as reflected in statutory guidance).
Read the Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance
Terminology
The term 'victim' is used to reflect that domestic abuse is a serious harm and often a criminal offence, although many individuals may prefer to identify as 'survivors'.
If you are someone experiencing domestic abuse or violence, know someone who is, or a professional needing help to access information or support for a victim of domestic abuse, please follow the related information below to find out what is available to you.
If you are suffering from, or are aware of someone experiencing domestic abuse and is in immediate danger, please call 999.
If you are unable to speak do dial 999. Operators are trained to listen for anything suspicious and put you through to a police call handler.
If you are on a mobile and the operator can't tell what service you require you will be put through to the Silent Solution system. After a short message you will then be able to press 55 for help.
Find out about Silent Solution
In a non-emergency dial 101.
If you are a professional looking to make a referral for high risk domestic abuse please complete our online form.
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) referral form
The MARAC is a multi-agency meeting for professionals, where domestic abuse victims who have been identified as high risk of serious harm or homicide are referred to.
The MARAC is attended by representatives from a range of agencies including police, child protection, housing, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), probation, mental health, North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT), substance misuse and many other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors.
The aims of MARAC
- To share relevant information to increase the safety, health and well being of victims, other adults who may be affected and their children
- Make links with other public protection arrangements in relation to children, perpetrators and vulnerable adults
- Determine whether the perpetrator poses a significant risk to any particular individual or to the general community
- Jointly construct and implement a risk management plan that provides professional support to all those at risk and reduces the risk of harm
- Reduce repeat victimisation
- Improve agency accountability
- Improve support for and the safety of staff involved in high risk domestic abuse cases.
We all have a duty of care to report any children or vulnerable adults who may be affected by domestic abuse. Referrals should be completed to the following services if there is a safeguarding concern:
If you are in an emergency always call 999.
If you are a woman in need of emergency refuge please call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. The free 24 hour service is run in partnership by Women's Aid and Refuge.
If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse you can call the Men's Advice Line free on 0808 801 0327 or Mankind on 0808 800 1170.
For those victims who identity in the LGBTQ+ community, Galop provide specialist support regarding domestic abuse and hate crime on 0800 999 5428.
Havering Women's Aid
01708 728759
Havering Women's Aid are an organisation based in Havering that offer floating support to both men or women affected by domestic abuse and violence.
Support is available to people aged 18 plus who are resident of Havering.
Support includes safety planning with agreed outcomes, specialist information and advice, access to their one-to-one counselling, and group courses such as the Freedom Programme.
MENDAS (Men’s Domestic Abuse Service)
01708 737364
Specialist support service for male victims of domestic abuse in Havering, offering practical and emotional support, safety planning, advocacy, and counselling.
Safe Horizons (London Victim and Witness Service)
0808 168 9291
Safe Horizons London Partnership is a collaboration of 13 specialist organisations, that will provide free support to survivors of domestic abuse aged 16 years and over in London.
Victims can self refer for specialist Domestic abuse support.
Galop – National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
If you are an LGBT+ person experiencing domestic abuse, Galop offers free, confidential advice, support and advocacy.
They specialise in supporting LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse and provide emotional and practical support, including one-to-one casework, safety planning, advocacy (including support through the criminal justice system), advice on housing and legal options, and signposting to specialist services.
East London Rape Crisis Centre
0800 160 1036
If you are a victim of rape, sexual abuse or violence contact the East London Rape Crisis Centre for free, confidential advice, and support.
They offer specialist help to women and girls over the age of 14, which includes emotional and practical support, one-to-one counselling, group support, and advocacy.
East London Rape Crisis (NIA) website
Solace Women’s Aid
0808 802 5565
Solace Women’s Aid provide specialist domestic abuse and sexual abuse counselling services to women and children, which includes an assessment.
They also provide Women’s Support Groups for women and girls from 16 years old, who are survivors of or are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Ashiana Network
020 8539 0427
Ashiana Network are a specialist organisation supporting Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) women, particularly from South Asian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern background who are experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
They offer one-to-one counselling, education and prevention, support groups, advocacy, specialist and immigration advice, as well as refuge.
Women’s Trust
020 7034 0303
Woman’s Trust is a specialist mental health charity, empowering women to overcome the psychological effects of domestic abuse, providing free counselling and therapy, including crisis counselling for those requiring immediate support.
They also offer self-development workshops and support groups to build relationships and social circles.
SignHealth (Deaf Domestic Abuse Service)
SignHealth is a specialist organisation supporting Deaf people who are experiencing domestic abuse. They provide services that are fully accessible, including support in British Sign Language (BSL).
SignHealth understands the additional barriers Deaf survivors may face, including communication challenges and isolation, and offers confidential, culturally appropriate support.
Reach via Text / SMS: 07800 003421 or Email da@signhealth.org.uk.
Southall Black Sisters
020 8571 0800 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
Southall Black Sisters is a specialist organisation supporting Black and minoritised women and girls experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harmful practices such as forced marriage and ‘honour’-based abuse.
There is also support for women with no recourse to public funds.
Southall Black Sisters website
Women and Girls Network (WGN)
0808 801 0660 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, with late opening Wednesday evenings)
Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a free, women only service across London supporting women and girls who have experienced any form of violence or abuse, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harmful practices.
WGN offers dedicated support for girls and young women (typically aged 11+ or 13+), recognising that younger victims may experience abuse differently and may need tailored support.
Support for younger victims includes:
- access to safe, confidential spaces where young people can talk about their experiences without judgement
- specialist counselling and therapy designed for young people, helping them understand trauma and build resilience
- advice and advocacy, including support to navigate relationships, family conflict, or exploitation
- support around healthy relationships, boundaries, and recognising abusive behaviours
- opportunity to access group programmes and peer support, helping reduce isolation
WGN also provides support through its Advice Line and live web chat, allowing younger victims to access help in a way that feels safe and accessible, including when they may not be ready to speak face-to-face.
Email: advice@wgn.org.uk
Women and Girls Network website
Survivors UK
020 3598 3898
A sexual violence support service for those identifying as male, transgender, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that the service is a right fit for them.
Cranstoun – Men and Masculinities Programme (Havering)
Cranstoun deliver a specialist domestic abuse behaviour change programme in Havering aimed at addressing harmful or abusive behaviours within relationships.
The Men and Masculinities programme provides a safe and structured space for individuals who recognise that their behaviour has been damaging and want support to make positive changes.
To self refer or enquire more information email: adminDVA@cranstoun.org.uk.
Respect
0808 802 4040
A confidential helpline for perpetrators of domestic abuse and violence looking for help to stop.
They help male and female perpetrators, in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
They also support partners or ex-partners of perpetrators, as well as concerned friends and family members.
London Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
The London Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Consortium is made up of 29 organisations working in partnership to deliver comprehensive, cost effective, high quality services to all communities across London.
This innovative partnership strengthens referral pathways across organisations and identifies trends and emerging needs.
Clare’s Law, also known as Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVD’s) is intended to provide information that could protect someone from being a victim of domestic abuse.
The initiative is named after the late Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009.
Clare’s Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them.
Under Clare’s Law, a member of the public can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.
A disclosure under this scheme is the sharing of specific information about an individual with the person making the application or a third person, for the purposes of protecting a potential victim from domestic abuse and violence.
The scheme allows the police to disclose information about a partner's previous history of domestic violence or violent acts. Clare’s Law has two functions.
- 'Right to ask' - This enables someone to ask the police about a partner's previous history of domestic violence or violent acts. A precedent for such a scheme exists with the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme
- 'Right to know' - Police and anyone else can proactively disclose information in prescribed circumstances.
You can apply for Clare's law by attending your local police station in person, where a police officer or member of police staff will take the details of what prompted the enquiry and talk through the next steps.
Disclosure will be made either over the phone or in person.
You will be required to provide two forms identification.
The disclosure is not made in writing, it is not recorded and you cannot use the information or share the information of the disclosure.