⚖️ Statutory Definition — Domestic Abuse Act 2021
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 created the first statutory definition of domestic abuse in England and Wales. Behaviour constitutes domestic abuse where it occurs between two people who are personally connected and it is abusive behaviour — including: physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, or psychological, emotional or other abuse.
Acts designed to make a person subordinate — isolating from support, monitoring communications, controlling finances, regulating daily activities.
A pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation or intimidation used to harm, punish or frighten a victim. Offence under s.76 Serious Crime Act 2015 — up to 5 years' imprisonment.
🔍 Types of Domestic Abuse
Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, strangling, burning, restraining, or using weapons. Strangulation is a significant risk indicator for homicide.
Humiliation, gaslighting, threats (to the victim, children, or pets), isolation, sleep deprivation, and constant criticism or belittling.
Preventing the victim from working, controlling all money, running up debt in their name, or demanding they account for every purchase.
Any sexual act carried out without full and informed consent. Marital rape is a criminal offence. Includes coercion into pornography or prostitution.
Violence or abuse motivated by actual or perceived breach of family "honour". Includes forced marriage, FGM, and so-called "honour" killings.
Persistent unwanted contact, monitoring movements or devices. Protection from Harassment Act 1997; Stalking Protection Act 2019.
🏫 Warning Signs in Children — What Schools See
Children living with domestic abuse are significantly more likely to suffer poor mental health, low attainment, and re-victimisation in adult relationships. Exposure to domestic abuse is a form of emotional abuse under KCSIE 2025.
- Unexplained mood changes or regression in younger children
- Persistent anxiety, hypervigilance, or "frozen watchfulness"
- Becoming withdrawn or suddenly aggressive with peers
- Poor concentration, declining attainment
- Frequent absences or lateness — especially on Monday mornings
- Age-inappropriate sexualised behaviour
- Disclosure of arguments or violence at home
- Flinching at sudden movement or raised voices
- Asking to stay at school; reluctant to go home
- Reports of police attending at home
- Self-harm or statements about self-harm
- Young carer responsibilities / parentified behaviour
📊 DASH Risk Assessment
The Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-based Violence (DASH) Risk Identification Checklist is the standard risk-assessment tool used by police and IDVAs in England and Wales. It contains 27 questions and produces a risk category:
Practitioners outside police/IDVA services can use the DASH as a structured conversation tool. If a victim scores 14+ or there is a professional override concern, refer to MARAC without waiting for a formal DASH.
🤝 MARAC — Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference
MARAC is a regular meeting where information about high-risk domestic abuse victims is shared between criminal justice, health, child protection, housing, and voluntary agencies to produce a coordinated safety plan.
- Police (DASH or IDVA referral)
- Children's social care (DSL may contribute)
- Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA)
- Housing / local authority
- Health (GP, midwife, community nurse)
- Probation / CAFCASS
- Provide information about child and family where relevant
- Share recent disclosures, attendance patterns, or welfare concerns
- Note: a school cannot refer directly to MARAC — referrals go through police or IDVA
- If you believe a family is MARAC-eligible, contact your local IDVA or MASH
🔓 Clare's Law — Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)
Introduced nationally in 2014, Clare's Law gives people the right to ask police whether a partner has a history of domestic abuse or violence (Right to Ask), or for police to tell someone if their partner poses a risk (Right to Know).
Any person can ask police if their partner has a violent or abusive past. Police will assess and, if warranted, share information.
Police proactively disclose to a potential victim if they believe they are at risk from a partner — even without a formal application.
Practitioners can signpost victims to Clare's Law by contacting their local police force (101). It does not require a formal complaint or ongoing case.
👶 Children as Victims — KCSIE 2025 Requirements
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 s.3, a child who sees or hears, or experiences the effects of, domestic abuse, and who is related to the person being abused or the perpetrator, is a victim. Schools must treat them accordingly under KCSIE 2025.
- Record and report all concerns about children in households where DA is known or suspected
- Consider a s.17 (Child in Need) or s.47 (Child Protection) referral based on the level of harm
- A domestic abuse incident does not automatically meet the s.47 threshold — assess the child's lived experience
- Work with Operation Encompass contacts and local IDVAs to access support
- Ensure the child is not put in a position of passing information between parents
Referral Pathways & Key Contacts
24 hours · for victims and professionals
refuge.org.uk
Local refuge finder available online
For male victims — Mon–Fri 9am–8pm
101 — non-emergency, Clare's Law enquiries
Statutory references: Domestic Abuse Act 2021 · Serious Crime Act 2015 (s.76 coercive control) · Children Act 1989/2004 · KCSIE 2025 · Working Together 2026 · Protection from Harassment Act 1997 · Stalking Protection Act 2019 · Crime and Security Act 2010 (DVDS)
Statistics: ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales year to March 2024 · SafeLives (safelives.org.uk) · CAFCASS