Last updated:
3rd July 2023
What is domestic abuse?
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Domestic Abuse Definition
Domestic abuse is any single incident, course of conduct, or pattern of abusive behaviour between individuals aged 16 or over who are “personally connected” to each other. This personal connection is defined as being or having been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. Children who see, hear or experience the effects of the abuse and are related to either of the parties are also considered victims of domestic abuse.
Behaviour is “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.
This includes incidences where the abusive party directs their behaviour at another person (e.g. a child). Economic abuse refers to any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on someone’s ability to acquire, use or maintain money, property, or obtain goods or services.
For the full legal definition of domestic abuse, see Part 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act or read the Home Office's Domestic Abuse easy-read leaflet.
