This snapshot, taken on 04/02/2011, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
Ministry of Justice

Domestic violence

Woman crying

Defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.


Domestic violence is defined as 'any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.' Violence will often be witnessed by children and must also be recognised as a child protection issue.

Our policy is to increase the rate that domestic violence is reported and brought to justice and to make sure that victims of domestic violence are adequately protected and supported. Courts can help in a number of ways as domestic violence is covered by criminal and civil law.

This page was printed from the Ministry of Justice website. It is subject to © Crown Copyright