Abstract
*Crim. L.R. 88 The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 finally received royal assent almost four years after the announcement of the Bill in the Queen’s Speech in 2017. This article examines the new provisions relating to criminal law and justice introduced by the Act and the evolution of the Domestic Abuse Bill following its prolonged journey through the Parliamentary process. It will explore the introduction of the new criminal offences: breach of a domestic abuse protection order and threatening to disclose a private sexual photo or film. It considers the extension of mandatory use of special measures for domestic abuse victims, a statutory statement on the limitation of the so-called rough sex defence and amendments to the offence of coercive and controlling behaviour. Background regarding the consultation process and the decision to produce a "once-in-a-generation" chance to provide legislative transformation to domestic abuse is provided. Analysis of these new provisions includes an assessment of where issues concerning implementation may arise. Reform is to be welcomed as greater recognition is given to the public’s increasing intolerance towards domestic violence and abuse.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 88-110 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Criminal Law Review |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Jan 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Defences
- Disclosure of private sexual photographs and films
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Special measures for witnesses
